3 minute read

Sydney Thunder batsman Usman Khawaja is concerned the three rule changes for this summer's Big Bash League is a case of too much, too soon for the tournament.

Sydney Thunder star Usman Khawaja isn't fully convinced by the controversial rule changes brought in for this summer's Big Bash League.

The 10th edition of the tournament will feature three key changes to the playing conditions, including allowing teams to make a substitution after 10 overs of the first innings.

Chasing teams will also be awarded a point if they are ahead of their opponent's equivalent score after 10 overs.

The final change reduces the power play from six overs to four with the batting team to then nominate another two overs with fielding restrictions from the 11th over onwards.

Khawaja feels three significant rule changes is too many at once and is dubious about the impact some of the new rules will have.

"One rule change coming into this BBL would've been perfect. Three is a lot," Khawaja said.

"We've tried super-subs before, it hasn't really worked. It'll be interesting how that goes in terms of a spectator point of view.

"Even things like the 10-over rule - getting one point after 10 overs - Fergie's (Callum Ferguson) obviously the skipper but if I'm the skipper of the side I wouldn't even be telling the players to concentrate on that.

"I just don't think it's important enough for us at the start, maybe at the end, when you need one point to win."

The Thunder will be based in a Hub in Canberra for their opening matches of the tournament, starting against the Melbourne Stars on Saturday at Manuka Oval.

The Stars will begin their tournament against Brisbane on Friday and Khawaja will be watching keenly to see how teams adapt to the new rules.

"No-one really knows how to tackle it at the moment," he said.

"It'll be nice to see how they go about it but I've got a feeling it'll be a lot different from the start of the tournament to the end of the tournament. I reckon you're going to see an evolution."