Building the future: How cricket is breaking the mould in the south-west

Historically known as sport for gentlemen and traditionalists, several associations are fighting to keep the game thriving in the south-west.

Playing numbers pose challenges. A poll conducted by The Standard in February found 87.43 per cent of readers felt factors such as increased professionalism in football was hurting cricket.

Research found players are time poor and have less time to commit to cricket - a sport in which a much fewer percentage of players are paid - over summer.

In rural communities without schools - many of which compete in the Grassmere Cricket Association - children also aren't as readily available.

But associations and clubs are bucking the trend and diversifying the game.

South West Cricket Association president Kym Mathew predicted "flexible fixtures" to become a mainstay of community cricket.

"I think we'll end up with a lot more flexible competitions," he said.

"More 100-ball cricket, more six-a-side matches, more super eights games. Double-wicket competitions may be one as well.

"If you have four teams that are double-wicket competition they could play against somebody else, just to make it exciting and entertaining."

Mathew said while short-form cricket often drew the ire of cricket traditionalists, it was a viable way forward.

"Traditionalists say Twenty20 cricket is a bit of a joke, but everyone likes to watch it," he said.

"Players all like to play it if they get a crack at it. It's the same old thing - if you don't get a bat and you don't get a bowl and you're fielding at fine leg all day, it doesn't matter what it is.

"I think that's the other thing, I think we've got to get more participation and rotate things around a little bit.

"Those good cricketers excel in Twenty20s, one-day cricket, two-day cricket and four-day cricket. They're going to excel anywhere."

The ICON-100, a 100-ball competition floated by Warrnambool and District Cricket Association club Russells Creek, is tipped to take place this summer in a bid to help clubs battling to raise revenue on the back of COVID-19.

Former Creek skipper Cam Williams told The Standard it could emerge as an alternative to training on Thursday nights.

The Grassmere Cricket Association, meanwhile, has reverted back to 40-over fixtures on the back of club feedback.

President Rhys Dews said the association planned to host its second Twenty20 weekend - which featured marquee players from other associations - starting on January 2.

It's planning to start its season on October 31 pending coronavirus restrictions.

"We're prepared to be flexible with the current environment though," he said.

Warrnambool and District Cricket Association chairman Gordon McLeod said female cricket formed a large part of its future plans.

More growth in its junior female competitions is high on its agenda while a senior female division is also wanted in the medium-term.

"So many women and girls love cricket and are good at it," McLeod said.

"We see the need for our association to embrace it as it's been a very successful venture for us.

"We want that senior competition so there's a pathway there for the players. (It's important) girls have the same opportunities as boys on the representative pathways."

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