Clarke goes MSD way, wants ODI’s power play rules changed

Melbourne, March 29

Echoing Mahendra Singh Dhoni's views on the ODI four-fielder rule during power play, Australian captain Michael Clarke on Sunday said he would like to have five fielders outside the 30-yard circle to give bowlers more chance.

 Clarke, who’s last ODI of his 12-year limited innings career ended on a high after he leading Australia to their fifth World Cup win at the MCG, had said that he would express his views on playing conditions once the finals are over. And when the question was repeated on Sunday, he didn't disappoint.

"I guess I would love five fielders out rather than four fielders outside  (30-yard circle). I think it gives the bowlers more of a chance. I think it brings spin a lot more into the game. The only thing is that it probably means the runs scored aren't going to be as high as what they have been throughout this tournament," Clarke echoed Dhoni's sentiments as the Indian captain has been a strong advocate of five-fielder theory.

Clarke, who mesmerised the 93,013 people in the crowd with 74-run innings in 72 balls against New Zealand in the clash for the title, went on to explain: “I like that extra fielder out for the bowlers, especially these days, (when) the wickets are pretty good for batting. And I've always liked reverse swing playing a big part in any format of the game, and I think two new balls probably takes that out of the game. You don't see as much reverse swing.

"I think back to when I started my career, those were the two areas of the game that it was quite hard. It's hard to score when you walk in to bat on zero and the ball is reverse swinging, it gives the bowlers a chance of getting you out early," he added.

But 33-year-old Clarke, who will continue to be play  in Test cricket, said that his views on ODI rules are his personal preference.

"They are probably two of my personal preferences that I really enjoyed through my career. I probably bowled a few more overs in those five fielders out as well. But look, I think the ICC deserves a lot of credit for how entertaining the cricket has been. I think because of the rule changes you've seen some unbelievable performances, you've seen the game change or evolve. Guys making 200 in one-day Internationals is phenomenal," said Clarke. — PTI