40 overs! Aaron Finch calls for one-day format change

Aaron Finch. Pic/AFP

Former Australian captain Aaron Finch has suggested trimming the One Day International game to 40 overs amid concerns of dwindling crowd interest and sluggish over rates.

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Finch's words echo a growing sentiment among cricketing circles that the traditional 50-over format may be losing its appeal, particularly in comparison to the rapid rise of T20 Internationals, which have captured the imaginations of younger audiences worldwide. "I think the game's gone too long, in my opinion. In England, they used to have the pro-40 and that was a huge competition. The speed at which the teams bowl their 50 overs is so slow, it's down around 11 or 12 overs per hour and that's not acceptable. People will argue that maybe it's a glorified T20 game but it's about the crowds," Finch said on ESPN. However, Callum Ferguson, another former Australian cricketer not convinced by Finch's proposal.

"I am not quite sold on that for every series. I think when you've got the big dogs all playing against each other, I still think the 50-over game's electric." Ferguson said.

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