Twenty20 has come as a boon, not a curse for spinners: Ex-Victoria stumper

MELBOURNE - Former Australian and Victoria wicketkeeper Darren Shane Berry believes that the introduction of Twenty20 cricket has reinvigorated the art of spin bowling.

In an article for the Sunday Age, Berry says contrary to the previous belief that Twenty20 cricket would be the death of spinners because of its frenetic pace, spinners have been given the opportunity to attack, knowing that the batsmen will come after them. The spinner, he says, is getting more wicket-taking opportunities.

He cites the example of the Chennai Super Kings who won the IPL this year and the Champions League in South Africa in September with three front-line spinners in their line-up.

Tasmania is having success in Australia’s Big Bash with Jason Krejza and Xavier Doherty.

Western Australia has used Aaron Heal as its trump card and opened the bowling with him in its past two victories.

Victoria seems to buck the trend and has had success in T20 using an all-out pace attack, although occasionally a lack of variety and inability to take pace off the ball has proved its undoing.

He says the Australian selectors decision to choose Doherty for the Twenty20 matches and the one-day internationals against Sri Lanka is refreshing, as the latter has earned the call after many years of toil for Tasmania.

“He should be an inspired choice at the next level,” Berry adds.

“Showing faith in young players is crucial once the talent is identified,” he concludes. (ANI)