How one rule change is altering the face of one-day cricket

A July 2025 rule change allowing captains to choose one ball after 34 overs has revived reverse swing in one-day international cricket. With the ball aging faster over the final 16 overs, half of all full deliveries in the death overs now swing more than one degree. As a result, pace bowling averages have dropped to 18.3, and death-over economy rates have fallen from 8.40 to 7.95 runs per over worldwide.

Bowlers like Alzarri Joseph and Lungi Ngidi have seen major increases in late movement, while England's death-over bowling average has improved from 36.76 to 20.91. England coach Brendon McCullum noted the ball is playing a massive part, leading teams to adapt tactically. Observers anticipate this increased reverse swing could significantly influence batting approaches ahead of the next World Cup.