(Cricket news) There is a fine distinction between tradition and being outdated, in an era where cricket is being played amongst both men and women, inclusivity has never been more vital than it is today. The Marylebone Cricket Club in London that upholds the laws of the game have officially brought about a change in cricket terminology. The word ‘batsman’ or ‘batsmen’, that has been used since 1744 (according to the Times) has now been replaced with a gender-neutral term ‘batter’ to make the sport more welcoming to women players.
In a statement by the MCC on their website, they said “At the time of the last redraft in 2017 it was agreed, following consultation with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and key figures within women’s cricket, that the terminology would remain as ‘batsman’ and ‘batsmen’ within the Laws of the game. The changes announced today reflect the wider usage of the terms ‘batter’ and ‘batters’ which has occurred in cricketing circles in the intervening period. The move to ‘batter’ is a natural progression, aligning with the terms of bowlers and fielders that already sit within the Laws.”
Jamie Cox, assistant secretary for cricket and operations at the MCC, reiterated that the change comes in place keeping in mind the growing popularity of women’s cricket. In a statement, he said “The use of the term ‘batter’ is a natural evolution in our shared cricketing language and the terminology has already been adopted by many of those involved in the sport. It is the right time for this adjustment to be recognised formally and we are delighted, as the guardians of the laws, to announce these changes today.”
In addition to the word ‘batter’, The Hundred has also been using other gender-neutral terms such as ‘third man’ has been referred to as ‘third’ and ‘nightwatchman’ has been referred to as ‘nightwatch’ by broadcasters. However, these are unofficial changes while the term ‘batter’ is the only word implemented by the MCC at the moment. In a message on MCC’s Twitter handle, they said “The fielding position ‘third man,’ along with other cricketing terms like ‘nightwatchman’ and ‘12th Man’ is not included in the Laws, and so any changes to such terms are outside of MCC’s controls as Guardians of the Laws.”
For some, the use of gender-neutral terms might be exasperating and sway away from the traditions that have made cricket the sport it is today. For others, the move is a welcoming one, a progressive initiative that makes the sport more accessible to women. It’s important to keep in mind that much of cricket’s terminology was implemented centuries ago when the world was a lot different than it is today and if the sport is to survive for generations to come, adapting and evolving is the only way it can sustain itself for the future.
