What is 12th man in cricket
Cricket is a sport of strategy, teamwork and individual agility. The game’s rules assign varying roles to its player, thereby rendering each participant crucial for the effective implementation of team strategies and game tactics. One such role that catches eyes but often leaves many less familiar with cricket puzzled, is that of the 12th man.
Understanding Cricket Team
A standard cricket team in an international match comprises of eleven players, including the captain. These players engage on the ground during gameplay, while another squad waits outside until necessity features them into the play. Substitutes like these are common in many sports, but cricket differentiates by assigning them unique terms, one being – “the 12th Man.”
The Role of 12th Man – Basics
The 12th person assigned to a cricket team can best be described as a substitute player who steps onto the pitch if needed due to illness or injury amongst active players. However, it’s important to note that his participation remains limited compared to regular substitution rules applicable in other games like football and basketball.
In traditional scenarios (outside of recent rule changes which will be broadened upon later), a 12th man cannot bat, bowl, keep wicket or act as captain of the side– they primarily exist to field. They replace injured teammates and offer their service anywhere on the field where required.
The Impactful Fielding Contribution
While their restrictions may make this role seem insignificant at first glance, any avid cricket follower would attest – a good 12th man can have a profound impact on matches. Their awareness, alertness, presence of mind and agility plays pivotal roles in run-outs & catches; potentially creating decisive moments impacting final outcome.
Fitness and athleticism: During long test matches under scorching heat conditions – fitness levels can take a toll on active players. Herein, fresh legs of a 12th man substitute can make all the significant difference.
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12th Man – The Supportive Runner
The role isn’t just limited to fielding. Often during injuries or fatigue, the batting player might struggle running between wickets and at this point, with umpire’s permission – the 12th man operates as his runner, assisting in scoring runs.
Further on, becoming a 12th man is often an early stepping stone for young aspirants before they become regular players into competitive cricket scenes. It’s their golden chance to be part of elite international teams and get habituated to pressures & standards related to it without fully being into action.
The Recent Rule Changes
Cricket laws are rarely static, constantly evolving with time and adapting new changes catering best interests to the sport.
In 2017, cricket rules revisited by International Cricket Council (ICC) allowed substitutes to replace concussed players in international matches ensuring safety amidst rising concerns of head injuries. This crucial amendment now allows a “like-for-like” role replacement. Accordingly, it permits the 12th man to bat or bowl if it’s deemed by match officials that they’re similar enough in skill set to the injured party
Despite these drastic changes in their roles implying more impactful involvement going forward; the spirit behind “12th Man” remains unaltered i.e., selfless contribution towards team endeavors rather than personal accolades whether off-field or onto pitch as ‘supplementary’ participants.
To put succinctly– “A good ship needs a good anchor”. And so duly applies for performances of any cricket playing side with its cohesive success remaining incomplete devoid underlying contributions from its supportive links like- ‘The 12th Man’.
