5 Batsmen who have benefitted the most in ODI Cricket after the introduction of two new balls

In late 2011, the ICC made the call to introduce two new balls in One Day International Cricket, with the balls to operate from alternate ends of the wicket. Their main reasoning was to help preserve the condition of the white ball across the length of the 50 over innings, as it used to previously become soft and out of shape quite quickly and on a regular basis.While two new balls was seen as an advantage to the bowling side when the idea was first brought up, with swing, seam and bounce more prominent with a fresh rock, it has actually been the batsmen who have embraced the new rule with open arms. Bigger personal milestones, higher team totals and huge hits have become the norm under the two ball era.Some batsmen have loved the new rule even more than the rest, though, and have produced some freakish performances.Here are the top 5 batsmen who have benefitted following the introduction of two new balls.

#1 Virat Kohli

Arguably the best One Day batsman in the world right now, Virat Kohli has exploded and taken his game to a whole new level since the introduction of two new balls. The 27-year-old scored his first ton in Indian coloured clothing in 2009, amassing another 5 after that up until the new ball rule change was made.

Since then, Kohli has left his mark as a potential all time great of the game, blasting 17 more tons to raise his overall total to 23 and becoming a run-chase king. With this in mind, it’s fair to say that the India captain won’t be barracking for any changes any time soon!

#2 AB De Villiers

De Villiers on the attack during his batting pyrotehnics in the 2015 World Cup

The South African maestro has been almost unstoppable since the inception of the extra new ball. De Villiers has plundred 12 centuries during this era, a hugely commendable stat on it’s own. However, it isn’t the just sheer amount of tons that has pushed AB onto this list.

De Villiers has almost redefined One Day batting under the extra new ball rule, using the extra hardness of a newer cherry late in the inning to spank the ball 360 degrees around the wicket, producing of the most outrageous shots ever seen. His uber-quick, record breaking century against the West Indies during this year’s World Cup is the perfect example of this once in a generation player re-writing the Batting Bible.

#3 Glenn Maxwell

The Aussie Ace has redefined how a modern batsman goes about an innings

Based on statistics only, one might think Glenn Maxwell being included on this list is crazy, with an average of 35, twelve 50s and a lone ton hardly leaping off the page at you. However, as any keen cricket fan will know, stats only tell half the story – especially true in the case of the Aussie dynamo.

Much like AB De Villiers, Maxwell is changing the face of One Day International Cricket as we know it. His daring strokeplay, bold big hitting and inventive mindset has set him apart from any batsman who has come before him.

A middle order magician, Maxwell has benefitted from having a newer ball to come in to, using it to dispatch the ball over the fence and into gaps all around the field, with reverse sweeps, switch hits and tennis-looking swats all a part of his extensive bowler whacking arsenal.

Would he be as effective with an older, softer ball to play against? Who knows, but with that not an issue right now, Maxwell remains as dangerous as ever.

#4 Joe Root

Root is always improving and evolving as a batsman – something more evident with the two new balls rule

The baby-faced assasin from England has dominated across all forms of the game in recent times, with ODI cricket no exception. His outstanding average of 41 speaks for itself, as do his 6 tons in the new ball period.

Having batting everywhere from 1 to 6 in the order, Root is well placed to have seen everything the two new balls have to offer – and he seems to like what they provide! Root has been able to anchor the innings and go score big at times, while on other occasions has come in later and absolutely belted the leather off of the ball in some whirlwind cameos.

Constantly adapting and thinking, Root will no doubt continue to improve his game and make even better use of the two new balls.

#5 Rohit Sharma

A modern day batting masterclass, Sharma’s 264 was amazing viewing

Three words pretty much sum up what makes Rohit Sharma a special edition on this list: world record holder. With two new balls, Sharma spanked an unbelieveable 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014. A brutal knock, Sharma produced some innovative shots as well as a calm temperament to boot. He took full advantage of having a new ball at either end – although the balls looked anything but new after Sharma repeatedly bashed them!

Not just a one innings wonder, Sharma has scored another 6 centuries in this period, including another double ton, becoming the first cricketer to boast two 200s in ODI cricket. As well as plenty of cameo innings along the way, Sharma is quickly showing his class.

With a drastic improvement in his stats, a penchant for going big and a world record to be proud of, Sharma is a worthy name on this list.

Check RCB Squad 2024 Details. Follow Sportskeeda for IPL 2024 Live Score, Schedule, Points Table

Quick Links

Edited by Staff Editor