England and Australia to trial rule changes

New rule, new format during games at Headingley (July 7), Lord’s (July 10) and The Oval (July 12)

England and Australia will be the first sides to trial new one-day innovations on substitutes and fielding restrictions after both agreed to implement the changes in their three-match series, which starts next week.

The changes, which come into force formally at the end of July for a 10-month trial period, will include teams being able to bring on one substitute who can bat or bowl.

And unlike the current 15 overs of fielding restrictions at the start of the innings, only the first 10 overs will be so restricted with two other five-over spells to be used by the fielding captain during the remainder of the innings.

“We are delighted that the host grounds, the players and our commercial partners have embraced these new regulations,” England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive David Collier said Thursday.

England captain Michael Vaughan added: “It’s a new concept and it should be fascinating for the game and very interesting to see how it develops.

“It will certainly be challenging for the team to see how you use your 12th man and how to utilise the five-over periods. I think it will be good for cricket.”

England head coach Duncan Fletcher added: “I think that this is a very good idea. It will bring more excitement into the game and it is exactly what was needed.

“Captains and coaches will have a lot more thinking to do and I am particularly pleased that the two five over periods are variable rather than being allocated.”

Australia head coach John Buchanan said: “We fully support these new changes which place a greater emphasis on tactics in one-day cricket.”

The tens, who meet in the Triangular final at Lord’s on Saturday, will adopt the new rules during their games at Headingley (July 7), Lord’s (July 10) and The Oval (July 12).