Ricky Ponting calls for change as BBL plagued by unwanted farce: 'Need a new system'

Ricky Ponting has called for changes to be made to cricket's Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system, which is used during rain-affected matches. The BBL has been marred by a number of weather-plagued games so far this season, with the Brisbane Heat claiming a three-run win over the Sydney Sixers on Wednesday night due to the rain.

Put in to bat in Coffs Harbour, the Sixers struggled to score quickly on a slow pitch and finished at 8-141. Rain then interrupted the match with the Heat at 4-80 after 12 overs, two behind where they needed to be according to the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.

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Three overs were lost, but the match resumed with Brisbane needing 44 off five overs under a revised target of 124 off 17. Paul Walter then smashed a huge six and two fours to get the Heat to 4-104 after 14.3 overs when the rain came down again.

The match was eventually called off early, with the Heat getting the win because they were three runs above the score required under the DLS system. It continued a frustrating time for the Sixers, with rain also plaguing their last match against Sydney Thunder.

Wet weather has ruined a number of matches so far this season, and the DLS has been employed multiple times. But discussing the much-maligned system on Thursday during the third Test between Australia and Pakistan at the SCG, Ponting said changes need to be made.

When asked if the DLS method should take into account a team's strengths and weaknesses, and the size of the ground where the match is being played, Ponting said: "Definitely teams' strengths. I don't know about ground size. It doesn't account for strength in bowling or batting. We need a new system."

Ponting's argument goes to the fact that certain teams are better at chasing big totals, while others might be adept at defending small ones. But the current system doesn't take that into account.

Laurie Evans and Lance Morris star in Perth Scorchers win

Later on Wednesday night, the Perth Scorchers overcame a challenge from the Adelaide Strikers to claim a 42-run win at Optus Stadium. Lance Morris produced a match-defining spell after Laurie Evans smashed an unbeaten 85 off just 28 balls.

Evans' knock propelled the Scorchers to an imposing total of 4-211, punishing the Strikers with seven sixes and seven fours. Matt Short made 74 to get the Strikers to within sight of a stunning victory, but Morris struck in the 16th over to dismiss the in-form opener and put the Scorchers back in command.

The fast bowler snared first five-wicket haul in the BBL while only conceding 24 runs from his four overs. He also picked up the wickets of Adam Hose (13), Jamie Overton (1) and James Bazley (2). Andrew Tye (2-35) also picked up crucial wickets and reached 150 scalps in the BBL as the Strikers collapsed to be all out for 169.

with AAP

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