Explained: What is the new two-ball rule for ODIs?

On Saturday, June 14, the sport's world body, the International Cricket Council, introduced a few changes in the rules of the 50-over format or One-Day Internationals (ODIs). One of the few rules mentioned saw a slight tinkering with the playing conditions with respect to the two-ball rule, which will be in effect from June 17.

Since 2011, teams have been given two new balls in ODIs for a phase of 25 overs each to bowl with. This saw larger scores being put on board, and the batters getting an advantage as reverse swing was taken out of the equation. Prior to 2011, teams used to bowl with only one ball throughout the course of 50 overs. Changes were provided only if there was any damage to the ball.

Now, the ICC has proposed that there will be two new balls up until the 34th over of the ODI game. The bowling side will have a decision to make on which ball they will bowl with to complete the innings.

In terms of an example, if India and New Zealand are playing an ODI, the team bowling first will have two new balls from overs 1-17 and from overs 18-34. After the 34th over, the bowling side will have a say on which ball from either of the two they would like to continue with.

---

ICC also makes a change to how concussion sub-protocols will work

England and the West Indies played in an ODI series most recently [Source: Getty]

Along with the two new ball rules, another rule concerning concussion substitutes has also been made. The new rule states that before the game, teams should name five substitutes, which include one batter, bowler, wicketkeeper, seamer, and a spin bowler. The player named in this list will be subbed in as a concussion substitute if required.

All these rules will be brought into effect by the ICC from June 17. The three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, which starts from July 2, will be the first series to see the rules being effected.