IN a time when sporting associations and clubs have had to think on their feet, the Sunraysia Cricket Association has done as well as anyone.
Their fixturing of a three-match grand final play-off series, adopting something that the Red Cliffs Cricket Association has implemented, will help to negate the loss of two-day cricket this year.
This year’s SCA season will look markedly different with only white-ball cricket.
Last year a White Ball Cup grand final preceded the main event over two days later in the season.
I’m a big advocate for the red-ball, longer format as a way to truly test a team’s resolve.
Sometimes, in shorter formats, one momentum swing can decide a match and a 10-over period might put a team completely out of contention with no time to get back into it.
Whereas, when a team has more overs they could lose a few quick wickets, then dig in and halt the bowling side’s momentum, or a bowling side can break partnerships then wrap up the innings and give their team a chance to bat smartly to chase down bigger scores without the need to go for broke from the start.
A grand final is usually a test between the two best sides, and you wouldn’t really want to see a game decided in a short period of time.
Having three matches helps cancel out the worry the grand final can quickly be decided, a team can rally in a whole new game.
Also, if a series goes to 1-1 and then to a deciding game, there would be great attention on the decider, creating great interest in the sport.
A lot of the time in Sunraysia things just go along how they always have done, but COVID-19 has ensured a lot of practices have needed to change.
It has encouraged thinking outside the square, which the SCA has done in this regard.
But, well before then, it’s great to see the game back anyway.
