Former India captain Rahul Dravid is expecting next month's cricket World Cup to be an aggressive affair as he feels the revamped ODI rules will push teams into selecting attacking bowlers over part-timers.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Dravid said new rules, which mandate five fielders inside the 30-yard circle at all times in an innings, will have a huge impact on how the teams work out their strategies at the showpiece event starting February 14.
“With the two new balls, the fast bowlers will get that level of assistance up front. The grounds are bigger too so it won't be that easy to clear the ropes. I think it will be a challenge for the captains. For example, when you have five fielders in the ring, it's very hard to play a part-time bowler,” Dravid said.
“You are almost being forced to play five specialist bowlers. That is a real positive. You are going to be forced to attack and look for wickets rather than see part-timers bowl for a large period of play,” he said.
Only two fielders are allowed outside the circle for the first 10 overs. Just three fielders are mandated to be outside the circle during the five Powerplay overs to be taken by the batting team before the 40th over. Former South African captain Graeme Smith said the new rules will make proceedings very exciting.
“If teams get partnerships in these conditions with the five in the ring, the Powerplay at the back-end, that's when they are really going to get the opportunity to score big runs,” Smith said.
“You are always looking at your attack and saying we can't afford to carry two part-timers, we need an extra wicket-taker here. If you don't pick up wickets through your bowling session, you will be chasing a big total," he explained.
‘We’re capable of a surprise’
Karachi: Pakistan's head coach Waqar Younis has cautioned opposing teams in the World Cup against writing off the former champions as he feels they are capable of winning the title.
“We are not among the favourites for the coming event. We were not favourites even in the World Cup 2011 but reached the semi-finals and this time also we are capable of springing a surprise,” he said.
Waqar, who featured in three World Cups as a player and as coach in the last edition, said he had great hopes from captain Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Irfan in the upcoming event.
“This is the last World Cup and ODI event for Misbah and Shahid and they are both experienced and seasoned performers. I expect a lot from them,” he said.
“Both of them are also aware of the situation and are pumped up to do well in the World Cup and lift the team. Irfan will also be a key performer for us,” the former fast bowler told the media in lahore. “It is good we are playing our opening match against India because it will also test our resolve and fire power. It could set our momentum for the tournament,” he stated.
“Every team will start at same position and how each team play will dictate their standing. Against India we also have to be in good form and confident.”
Inzy hopes Pak break jinx
Pakistan's most capped player Inzamam-ul-Haq wants to see the national team create history in the forthcoming World Cup by defeating India in the opening match in Adelaide.
“Throughout my career we beat India in many matches but for some reason we never managed to get the better of them in World Cup matches and it remains a disappointment for me,” he said on Saturday.
“I hope that this Pakistan team can beat India in a World Cup game,” Inzamam said.
Inzamam said the World Cup quarter final defeat to India in 1996 and then the defeat at the Centurion ground in World Cup 2003 still ranked him. “losing those games was disappointing but now this team has the opportunity to set things right,” he noted.