ICC Propose ODI Rule Changes 20 May 2005 By: James Nixon

The ICC are proposing radical changes to one-day internationals in recommendations made at a recent conference held in Dubai.

The proposed changes are as follows:

* Fielding restrictions for 20 overs, not 15. The first 10 overs are required at the beginning of the innings followed by two blocks of five to be used by the captain at any stage.

* Option to replace a player with a substitute. This will involve each team nominating a 12th player who can replace a player within the starting eleven at any stage during the match. The only rule governing the player substituted is that he cannot take any further part in the game once replaced.

* Further trials on technology to help umpires. Umpires will be allowed to refer all decisions to the third umpire for assistance on making the correct decision.

These proposed changes are to be trialled during the three one-day games between Australia and the ICC World XI in October.