Heads or tailsIJ
It's a simple question with huge consequences in a game of cricket, but one that might not be asked for much longer - at least in the English county circuit.
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced Thursday a radical move that will see the mandatory coin toss scrapped before matches in its domestic four-day county championship, starting from next season. Instead, the captain of the visiting team will be given the option of choosing to bowl first.
If he takes that option, the toss will be rendered unnecessary. If he declines, the toss will take place. The aim is to encourage county sides to produce better pitches, and ones that don't favor the home team. The ECB said another objective is to help England produce more spin bowlers, with matches more likely to last the full four days and therefore involve the need for spinners if there are better pitches. The proposal was passed at an ECB board meeting on Thursday.