‘Umpires have to be more ruthless’ – Brad Hogg provides solutions to slow over-rate issue

Both England and Australia are punished heavily for maintaining a slow over-rate in the recently concluded Ashes 2023. England were stripped of 19 World Test Championship points while Australia were docked off 10 points, which can play an important role in their race to the final of the competition.

Speaking on the matter, the former Australia international, Brad Hogg, stated that the umpires need to be more strict in dealing with this. He also mentioned that the 12th player often intervenes and disrupts the flow and thus, the rule needs to get changed. The former cricketer gave another solution saying that during a review, all players should be in their position so that the game starts back quickly rather than players wasting a few minutes.

“Brilliant solution @nassercricket (Nasser Hussain) Umpires have to be more ruthless. Batters ready when bowlers ready. 12th men can’t interrupt flow of play. DRS (Decision Review System) reviews can waste a couple of minutes so fielders, batters get into position while third umpire is making the decision,” Hogg tweeted.

Brilliant solution @nassercricket Umpires have to be more ruthless. Batters ready when bowlers ready. 12th men can’t interrupt flow of play. DRS reviews can waste a couple of minutes so fielders, batters get into position while third umpire is making the decision. #Cricket pic.twitter.com/lLoSt4Vw7r

— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) August 5, 2023

Hogg lauds Woakes after England’s terrific comeback in Ashes 2023

The Ben Stokes-led side lost the first two matches of the Ashes and were under tremendous pressure, especially playing in their backyard. However, ahead of the third match, the team management decided to bring in Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, and the duo went on to change the game for the Three Lions. 

Woakes particularly, picked up 19 wickets and was adjudged as the Player of the Series. Lauding him, Brad Hogg mentioned that the cricketer changed the scene for England as the majority of his wickets were against Australia’s top six.

“I thought Chris Woakes’ inclusion in the last three Tests was the change that set the scene for England. He dominated with the ball with 19 wickets and the majority of those were top six batters,” Hogg said on his YouTube channel.