| When 50 over cricket appeared in 1971, it was as an | | | | There is no time for such consolidation in Twenty 20, |
| alternative to Test cricket. Matches could be decided | | | | meaning both teams are constantly on the attack. |
| in one day, a winner was virtually guaranteed and a | | | | This makes exciting viewing for the ce in England. |
| world cup of cricket became viable. The five day | | | | Matches can also swing in Twenty 20 more abruptly. |
| version stood unaltered and unthreatened and thrives | | | | A team can lose early wickets and score slowly in |
| to this day - the fascinating five day battle between | | | | pursuit of a run target but can easily get back into |
| bat and ball remains and there is no suggestion that | | | | the game with one or two good partnerships; this is |
| Twenty 20 cricket will have a detrimental effect on | | | | less easy to achieve in 50 over matches and games |
| the oldest form of the game any more than the 50 | | | | often peter out with the winner decided soon after |
| over version did on its inception. | | | | the halfway point. |
| Instead, it is traditional one day cricket that is | | | | Of course, these advantages have been apparent |
| threatened. Everything that is attractive about it as | | | | for some time, as Twenty 20 cricket has been |
| an alternative to Test matches is amplified in twenty | | | | played in England for five years and most other |
| over matches. A winner is produced in around three | | | | nations have their own domestic league; last year's |
| hours and the match itself is more exciting - | | | | world cup proved there was widespread appetite for |
| supporters love seeing sixes hit and this is the secret | | | | the new format. |
| of success in Twenty 20. | | | | However, the vast amount of money involved in the |
| More importantly, the matches remain 'alive' for | | | | Indian Premier League (IPL) has made other cricket |
| longer. The most exciting parts of 50 over matches | | | | boards and administrators sit up and take notice. |
| are at the beginning and end of each innings, when | | | | England look set to follow suit with their own version |
| teams seek to score quickly. The interim overs are | | | | of the superstar tournament, which will further erode |
| characterised by steady accumulation and often a | | | | interest in domestic one day leagues. |
| lack of intent on the fielding team to take wickets. | | | | |