REASON Bowlers have to. Groundskeepers advise that rubber soled shoes 'burn' the grass and damage the pitch.
CURRENT REGULATIONS None
POSSIBLE NEW REGULATION
8.1.5 Players must wear cricket shoes with full metal spikes while batting.
8.1.5.1 Spike length will be limited to 9mm.
8.1.5.2 Any bowler with shoes that do not comply with regulation 8.1.5 will not be allowed to bat.
Arguments against
The biggest argument against this is the extra costs for some players.
Kookaburra Pro 2000 Metal Spike (Senior) is on special for $85 at KD Sports today.
(No good if you want size 9/9.5 !!! They have not got that size in stock probably because it's near the end of the season, I guess.)
Next argument is the organisation and preparation needed .Players must go to a specialist retailer and get some spiked shoes, or work out a scheme to swap with team mates (find the team mate with shoes that fit and avoids clashes in the batting order).
Last time I did this my spikes were split open by some guy with size 12 feet. He didn't offer to get 'em fixed or replaced either. I had to buy me a new pair.
Both these problems are a *BARRIER* to participation for fill-in and occasional players.
Most teams in Subbies Cricket are going to rely on fill-ins at some point in the season. So this is important.
Also participation requires whites, helmets, bats gloves and pads, membership and playing fees (at some level but not necessarily the entry level.) so it's barriers all the way... what's so different about this one?
On the other hand it might encourage commitment. Fill-ins are more likely to become frequent or regular players... if they have the gear now.
Arguments in favour
The extra grip offered to players on the wicket block means less skidding and 'burns' on the grass. I would love to present some actual data or observations of this. (I think the evidence is anecdotal.)
Also in damp conditions the risk of slipping leading to injury or dismissal would be reduced by using spikes.
This website (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/rules_and_equipment/4177392.stm) helpfully suggests the following.
- You can choose your shoe depending on the type of surface you play on.
- Spiked shoes are good for playing on soft ground, while pimpled rubber soles are better for hard ground.
- You can also get a combination of both spikes and pimples.
- Batters usually prefer shoes with spikes at the front for grip and rubber-treaded heels.
- Fast bowlers usually have shoes with spikes at the front and back with extra support around the ankle.
It is up to those who want this to persuade the rest of us. Will it lead to less slipping over? Will pitch maintenance costs be reduced? Will casual players still get in the game?
A sensible argument in favour is needed or else this won't change.
Alternative approaches to the new regulation
A suggestion already made about this idea is to write a new rule in terms of 'access to the wicket block'. Presumably the purpose of this is to 'catch all feet on the pitch' with a single regulation. This may have implications for umpires, ground staff and close fielders who will all have an argument for an exemption. That might lead to a weak rule or one that is difficult to administer.
Penalties
A more important thing to consider adding is something about enforcement penalties. This could apply to all clothing breaches including spikes, hats, white shirts.
There are two parts involved.
- A rule requiring reporting of clothing breaches
- Another rule that sets out fines or actions to deter breaches.
That is a bit extreme....I'm shocked I even typed it. That is open to abuses isn't it?
- Zealous captains keen for a tactical advantage will report everything.
- Lazy captains won't report anything and hope that the favour is returned by their opposition (and complain when it isn't.).
It will not get much support I predict. but it's a different approach to the non-system we have now.
For bowlers this has partly been resolved by adding Reg 8.17 which explicitly empowers umpires to stop bowlers who do not wear spiked shoes.
This needs a better suggestion.
What about...
- bonus points for compliance
- cash prizes/trophies for best dressed team
- vouchers for Rebel Sport for those who players who deserve/need it.
This stuff is unlikely to be popular. I don't think this will get much support.
But unless there is something in place then rules will only be followed by those who already 'care'.
ABM, 15-Feb-2020
Revised 8-Jun-2020
See the discussion about White Cricket shoes LINKRevised 8-Jun-2020
Here's an article on selecting cricket shoes https://cricketyorkshire.com/cricket-shoes/
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