Important changes to ECB regulations.

Several important alterations have been made to the County game by the ECB.

Perhaps the most significant news of late for domestic cricket was announced by the ECB today, who have decided to make several significant changes to the game.

The previous ruling in the County Championship awarded three points for a drawn match and this figure has now been increased to five points and 16 for a win - bonus points remain unchanged.

Bowlers who break the stumps whilst delivering will now be punished with a no-ball as the ECB adopts a ruling initially formulated by the MCC.

In addition the home team can decide whether or not to make the heavy roller available in Championship and one-day matches, but this may only be used once in the game.

ODI regulations will be replicated on the county scene in the Royal London One-Day cup, with new balls being used at both ends.

T20 matches will now be decided by a super over and the colourful nature of the shortest form of the game received a further boost, with alternative colours to white permitted for crease markings.

TV Umpires are also set to play a larger role on the county scene with ICC ruling creeping in to domestic cricket.

At the request of the on-field Umpire at the bowler’s end, the TV Umpire should check for a No Ball, but only for a dismissal. 

Waist high full tosses will also be reviewed, also for dismissals at the bowler’s end and request of the on-field Umpire, with any doubt benefiting the batsman. 

Commenting on the changes, ECB Chief Executive David Collier said: “These changes are designed to make our domestic game even more spectator and viewer-friendly as well as bring the county game into line with rule changes which have been successfully implemented at international level by the ICC."

"They will come into force along with the new county schedule next season and are the product of extensive consultation and discussion with all our key stakeholders in the domestic game.”