‘About time’: Cricket makes move from batsmen to batters

Any change to cricket is usually slammed by traditionalists but the latest move has been embraced by former stars of the game.

As long as Steve Smith continues as one of our best ever batters, who cares what you call him. Photo by SAEED KHAN / AFP-

The Laws of Cricket have officially been amended to include the gender-neutral terms “batter” and “batters” rather than “batsman” and “batsmen”.

In an effort to make the sport’s language more inclusive, Marylebone Cricket Club agreed on the changes following thorough discussion among the Laws sub-committee.

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The amendment was previously considered in 2017, but the MCC decided against the change at the time.

“MCC believes that the use of gender-neutral terminology helps reinforce cricket’s status as an inclusive game for all. The amendments are a natural evolution from work already undertaken in this area as well as an essential part of MCC’s global responsibility to the sport,” the MCC said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The changes are effective immediately and updates have been made to the Laws of Cricket published (online), with the Laws of Cricket App and printed editions to be amended accordingly at their next updates.

“A number of Governing Bodies and media organisations are already using the term ‘batter’ in their Playing Conditions and reporting. We expect and encourage others to adopt the updated terminology following today’s announcement of the change to the Laws.

“The move to ‘batter’ is a natural progression, aligning with the terms of bowlers and fielders that already sit within the Laws.”

The announcement received an overwhelmingly positive response, but inevitably there was some unwarranted backlash on social media with some calling it “woke” or PC.

Lancashire captain Alex Hartley wrote: “Some of the comments on this post make me angry. If you hate it, grow up. Cricket is a sport for everyone and this is a small but big move.”

Cricket writer George Dobell posted: “I know some people are uneasy about this but I’m pretty confident it’s the right thing to do. It harms nobody, costs nothing and might be just a bit more inclusive.”

Former Australian captain Lisa Sthalekar wrote: “About time … thank you.”

In 2000, the MCC similarly updated the Laws so the term “fieldsman” was replaced by “fielder”.

Traditionalists fired up over the change but players don’t seem to mind. Photo by William WEST / AFP

Jamie Cox, the MCC’s Assistant Secretary of Cricket and Operations, said in a statement: “MCC believes in cricket being a game for all and this move recognises the changing landscape of the game in modern times.

“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.”