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Adam Zampa calls for introduction of backyard cricket rule to solve Big Bash League big problem after Mark Waugh criticized awarding sixes when ball hits stadium roof
- Melbourne Stars players Joe Clarke and Beau Webster’s shots hit the roof of the stadium
- Both controversially received sixes under Big Bash League rules.
- All-Star captain Adam Zampa wants those shots to be out if caught with one hand.
Melbourne Stars captain Adam Zampa has offered a novel change to one of the Big Bash League’s most controversial rules.
Zampa believes that if a hitter throws a throw to the roof of Marvel Stadium, instead of getting six runs, he should risk being sacked for a one-handed catch by a fielder as the ball drops.
The idea is adapted from the famous ‘one hand, one rebound’ arrangement of backyard cricket, but is Zampa serious?
‘Yes, why not?’ said the leg spinner on Saturday night, after seeing two Stars teammates hit the retractable roof of the Docklands venue.
Melbourne Stars captain Zampa (pictured bowling on Saturday night) joked that the roof of Marvel Stadium should be ‘built higher’, but he wasn’t kidding when he called on the BBL to expel the batsmen if a fielder catches the ball with one hand when it hits the roof of a stadium
All-star players Joe Clarke (pictured) and Beau Webster received awards of six when they skied deliveries on the roof of Marvel in their loss to the Renegades.
‘Honestly, it’s a bit strange to be called a six when the ball goes straight into the air.
‘As a bowler you hope to cheat a batsman and at least have a chance of taking a wicket.
‘Maybe build the roof a little higher.’
The debate over Marvel Stadium’s peculiar rule was reignited when Joe Clarke and Beau Webster peaked during the Stars’ derby against the Melbourne Renegades.
Retirement great Mark Waugh led renewed calls for such incidents to result in a dead ball, as was the case under the previous rules.
“When that happens, you know how lucky you are,” Zampa said.
Cricket legend Mark Waugh called for hits hitting the stadium roof to result in a dead ball, which used to be the case before the rules were changed.
It’s not about getting on top of the pitcher or anything like that. It’s pure luck.
The two incidents gifted the Stars 12 runs in a close contest and looked set to help the visitors secure a crucial win.
The Stars later needed just 21 runs from the last 25 balls with seven wickets in hand, but they reeled to a six-run defeat that ended their final hopes.
“Our hitting let us down again tonight, unfortunately,” Zampa said.
“It seems that we have been in this position too many times.
‘You’d expect even tailenders to be able to do that, but it was a bit of inexperience on our part and a bit of bad play.’