Australian offspinner Xavier Doherty believes the newly introduced ‘two new balls’ rule should be enforced on a country-by-country basis to level the playing field for bowlers.
The rule, which states a new ball be used at either end in one-day cricket, was introduced to favour bowlers.
In part, it was added to counter the other new rule of having a maximum of four fielders in the outfield at any one time.
But in areas like the sub-continent, where the new ball is less dangerous and bowlers often rely on reverse swing and spin provided by older balls, batsman are cashing in.
On Australia’s ODI tour of India, bat has dominated ball at a historic level.
Records are falling in nearly every game as both sides appear to be scorching past 300 with ease.
And Doherty, who has series figures of 0-169 in India, thinks the International Cricket Council should consider tweaking the rule ahead of the 2015 World Cup, to be played in Australia.
In countries like Australia and England, where wickets offer more bounce and seam movement, the rule could be in place to favour bowlers.
But on the subcontinent, he believes it might be advantageous to shelve it altogether.
“That’s probably something they should look at,” he said.
“Obviously with the scores we’ve seen here, there’s been less impact with the new balls anyway.
“I don’t think there’s a real need to have two new balls over here.
“I think there is a case to have a country-by-country situation.
“I think even if there’s a shortened game, we still use two new balls, which is a bit ridiculous. But that’s the way (the rules) are.
“Leading into this World Cup, I’m sure they’ll look at some different little things looking around those rules.”