10 predictions Bob Woolmer made for cricket in 21st century

#5 Standardised Pitches

Surfaces have the same moisture and hardness through a tournament, so the toss can't favour one side. Alternatively, the side away from home has a choice of innings.

Toss can be still a decisive factor in ODIs, something Woolmer was against

Verdict: Incorrect (but likely to be trialed)

While drop-in pitches are becoming common, it's not quite standard across countries. The away side getting the choice to bat or field is an idea that should be tried irrespective of the quality and nature of the pitch. The ICC has even discussed it. The pitches should not be uniform as it negates the home advantage and importantly, diminishes the variety of surfaces that cricket is played on, giving it depth and the scope of varied narratives.

#6 Innovative Equipment

Batsmen will wear special lightweight pads and shoes made especially for sprinting.

The new helmets with additional protection to the back of the neck

Verdict: Correct

This is a given. Pads are lightweight and so are the other protective pieces of equipment. The running between the wickets has seen an improvement as a direct consequence. The honeycomb introduced after Phillip Hughes' tragic death is also a testament that equipment will continue to evolve for the better. The special keeper's helmet is another recent innovation that will be common-place soon.