The death of one-day international cricket is nigh according to former Australian batsman David Hussey.
The introduction of Twenty20 cricket has had crippling effect on the 50-over game in recent years with attendances rapidly falling – just 24,329 turned up to Adelaide Oval on Australia Day to see the Aussies take on England – and TV viewing numbers declining.
Hussey, who played 69 one-day international matches for Australia, told SEN Afternoons that unless they can re-invent the game and introduce some new rules to liven up the action, the future of one-day cricket is bleak.
“I can (see a time when it is gone completely) and I don’t think it’s too far away,” he said.
“Outside of the World Cup, I’m not really interested in the 50-over format.
“I’m more interested in the T20 competitions throughout the world and whose making 50 runs off 20 balls and making hundreds off 50 balls. It’s a really exciting game.”
Hussey said that even as a cricket lover, his interest in the 50-over format has waned.
“I must admit I didn’t watch the Perth game (between Australia and England at Optus Stadium), I watched the tennis – the (Roger) Federer (vs. Marin Cilic) final,” he said.
“It’s unfortunate, being a cricket lover and being on the outside now, I always like to see if Australia is doing well or doing poorly and you want to support your friends that you played with.”
Hussey said the length of the game – and the lulls in action – are a major factor when trying to capture the attention of new fans.
“It’s six hours out of your day and a lot of people are time-poor and that’s why everyone is gravitating to T20 – its more exciting, its more unpredictable,” he said.
“Whereas the one-day format, there is an exciting part – which is the first 10 overs – then there is a bit of boredom and then there is excitement at the back end of the innings.
“Maybe they can re-invent it with a couple more power plays in the 50-over format, but for mine I’m really enjoying the T20 format at the moment.”
Did you miss David Hussey's chat on SEN Afternoons? Listen below!