Ricky Ponting, who at this stage could claim to have guarded the wicket with a toothpick and not fear contradiction, says he has nothing to do with the decision to compel cricket batsmen to use smaller bats.
Even to our aged eyes, which are not always as faithful at providing accurate visual details as once they were, could not fail to notice that batsmen were hauling lumber to the crease that looked frighten similar to the broadsword wielded by the villainous Mountain in Game of Thrones.
David Warner is likely to be one batsman, certainly not the only one, however, that the new restrictions due to come into effect later this year will affect. Many international run-makers will feel the impact.
Even Steve Smith and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, able to produce runs with modestly sized bats, will have to adjust.
Spartan, the name synonymous with cricket willow, will be tasked with a complete makeover of their product line, so the transition to comply with the new regulations will not be a gradual one.
Fingers are being pointed at Ponting; much as they were at the world of golf’s Jack Nicklaus when he suggested that modern equipment, particularly clubs with square grooves, was have an outsized impact on the game.
Ponting has been quick to point out that his voice was one of 15 on a committee formed by World Cricket to study the issue.
