Ashes 2019: Do we really need player names and numbers emblazoned across their shirts?

Tradition goes out the window tonight when the Ashes combatants enter the playing arena wearing a little more than their whites. Cricket has always been a numbers game, but has the ICC gone too far? HAVE YOUR SAY

The number’s up for tradition in Test cricket and nothing is sacred in sport anymore.

England and Australia’s Test teams will open the Ashes at Edgbaston tonight with names and numbers on the back of their white playing shirts.

It’s the first time in the 142-year history of Test cricket that this abomination has been allowed.

Any why? The ICC says it will enhance the fans’ experience. Really?

This ranks alongside daytime fireworks, behavioural awareness officers at Marvel Stadium and silver footballs for AFLX.

Players been never been so visible or identifiable.

Buy yourself a radio ear-set for $25 from Cricket Australia’s online shop so “you won’t have to worry about missing a moment”.

Or take in one of the multiple replays on the big screen at every ground.

And don’t forget the TV coverage that loves a close-up shot of players like never before.

I’m a traditionalist, but I’m not averse to change. Well-considered change.

This year’s ICC World Cup format was a ripper and the World Test Championship is much-needed to bring greater meaning to every game.

MIND GAMES: ROOT TARGETS SMITH WITH VEILED INSULT

‘A LITTLE WIERD’: SMITH’S ASHES SUPERSITIONS

Ten out of 10 for paceman Peter Siddle?

England’s Joe Root didn’t really have a choice.

Pink-ball, day-night Test matches are winners because they help fans attend games when they otherwise might not.

But the numbers and names on Test shirts simply panders to laziness and society’s “hand it to us on a plate” attitude.

The names/numbers may be useful at first-class and limited-overs level, but Test cricketers are household names.

Stream the 2019 India Tour of West Indies on KAYO SPORTS. Every T20I, ODI and Test LIVE on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14-day free trial >

The numbers and names are an unnecessary intrusion on a beautiful game.

Cricket is one of the easiest sports to correctly name the athlete.

How hard is it to identify a cricketer who stands still, on his/her own on an uncrowded field?

Crikey, there only 13 players on the pitch, two are carrying bats, one has wicketkeeping gloves on and another is bowling. How hard is it to figure out who is who?

It’s not a football ground with bodies flying everywhere or a Formula One race.

What’s next? Numbers and names on tops at Wimbledon?

One saving grace is that the players’ jumpers will be “clean”.

I hope it’s a cold English summer.

Originally published as Ashes 2019: Do we really need player names and numbers emblazoned across their shirts?