Powerplay (cricket)

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A Powerplay is a rule introduced in 2005 concerning fielding restrictions in One Day International (ODI) cricket. In the past, there was a 15-over period at the start of an innings when only two fielders were allowed outside the 30-yard circle. This meant that attacking batsmen were likely to score runs quickly in the first 15 overs, but would become more watchful after the end of the spell.

In an effort to keep the game more exciting during the middle overs, this rule was amended to apply not only to the first 10 overs of every innings, but also in two blocks of five overs, Powerplays, which will be used at the discretion of the fielding captain.

1 Implementation
2 Effects of Powerplays
3 First match played with powerplays
4 References

[edit] Implementation

The first block of 10 overs of an innings is known as Powerplay One. The fielding restrictions during this period are exactly the same as per the old ODI rules with only two players being allowed to stand outside the 30-yard circle and two fielders required to be placed in close catching position.
The first block of five overs chosen at the fielding captain's discretion is known as Powerplay Two. The fielding captain has to decide at which point he wishes to implement this rule. He can only implement it at the beginning of an over, provided he informs the umpire.^[1] Again, only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. However there is no mandatory number of close catchers under this power play.
The second block of five overs, with identical parameters to Powerplay Two, is known as Powerplay Three.
When the fielding side's captain informs the umpire that he wishes to enact a powerplay, the official will signal as such by moving his arm in a circular motion.
Since October 1st 2007 the fielding captain now has the choice of making either the second or the third powerplay a "three fieldsmen" powerplay where they are allowed to station one extra man outside the this fielding restriction area.^[2]
Should the fielding captain choose not to exercise his discretion, the remaining powerplays will automatically commence at the latest available point in the innings (i.e. at the start of the 41st and the 46th overs in an uninterrupted innings). Power play at the final overs would mean that the batting side has greater opportunity to score runs as only two men would be out of the thirty yard circle .

[edit] Effects of Powerplays

The Powerplay was intended to add to the excitement in ODI cricket. If the batting team has got off to a very quick start, the fielding captain is likely to choose to delay Powerplay 2 and 3, and instead spread out the field to stem the flow of runs. Powerplays may then be taken when an attacking batsman is out, or when the run rate has been reduced. Otherwise, all 20 Powerplay overs are likely to be taken at the start of the batting team's innings.

A captain whose team is bowling second may choose not to take the second and third powerplays if the total seems likely to be chased down within 40 overs.

[edit] First match played with powerplays

The rule was first encountered in the One Day International between England and Australia on 7 July 2005 and was then finalized after a trial period in 2006, unlike the supersub rule which was scrapped after being pioneered at the same time. The rule was included as part of the playing conditions for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.