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Give sloggers the power: Gilly

Source: The Australian - October 11, 2006

Adam Gilchrist wants to give big-hitting batsmen more power by calling for the introduction of another powerplay innovation in limited-overs cricket.

The Australia wicketkeeper and limited-overs opening batsman says batsmen should be given the keys to control some of the crucial powerplay overs that have enlivened the 50-over game.

Under powerplay rules, the fielding captain can have only two men patrolling the boundary for the first 10 overs.

Another two blocks of five overs must be used as powerplays at his discretion.

Gilchrist said officials can inject more excitement by allowing batsmen to decide one of the powerplays.

"My suggestion would be to add something a little bit more to the powerplays," Gilchrist, who has returned from an extended winter break to play in the Champions Trophy in India, said.

"Allow the batting team control of one of the five-over power plays, that would be a bit more intriguing for players and spectators.

"I'm not questioning what they are doing now because I reckon powerplays are a really positive thing with what they have brought to the game.

"It's another part of scores getting bigger so that, for a spectator, has got to be more entertaining."

Most teams have struggled to match their expectations of the powerplays, introduced more than a year ago, despite having pinch-hitters padded up to be deployed during the big-hitting periods.

With the World Cup only six months away, the team that best manages the powerplay overs will have a giant advantage.

Australia on Tuesday flew to Mumbai, where it plays a practice match against a local side.

- BEN DORRIES