DRS introduced for Big Bash and WBBL, Bash boost and X-factor scrapped

Other changes include the introduction of the power surge to the WBBL and an innings clock in the Big Bash

Cricket Australia has announced a host of changes to the Big Bash and Women's Big Bash playing conditions, most notably the introduction of DRS (decision review system) for the 2022/23 season.

Organisers had hoped to have DRS in action last season but plans were put on hold by the Covid-19 pandemic and constantly changing schedule.

The review system will be available in all Big Bash matches and the 24 WBBL fixtures shown on Seven and Foxtel, including the final. The remaining 35 WBBL matches will be produced using live stream technology which does not support DRS.

Each team will get one unsuccessful review per innings, with the fielding team captain or batter receiving 15 seconds to call for a review, while match officials will have access to Ultra Edge and ball-tracking information.

Other changes to the BBL include the removal of the Bash boost point – awarded to the team leading after 10 overs – and X-factor substitutions, and the introduction of an innings clock.

^{A number of the changes will impact the WBBL [Paul Kane/Getty Images]}

Teams will be required to begin bowling the final over inside 79 minutes (including allowances) or they will be restricted to four fielders instead of five outside the circle for the remainder of the innings.

The innings clock will not be implemented in the WBBL, but the power surge will be introduced. All matches will now feature a four-over powerplay at the beginning of each innings (instead of six), with the batting team able to call for a two-over power surge between the 11th and 20th over. Only two players will be allowed outside the circle during this period.

BBL general manager, Alistair Dobson, hopes the introduction of DRS will bring the competitions "in line with the best in the world" while the other changes demonstrate their "desire to innovate and drive leagues forward".

Umpire Phil Gillespie backed the introduction of DRS: "I think it's a lot easier for umpires when there's DRS in the game because you can move on from that error quickly when it's been overturned or resolved. As umpires, we all support DRS and want it in our competitions, and it makes us better umpires too."

Perth Scorchers batter, Laurie Evans, added: "This game is moving forward quicker than a lot of people realise and there's a lot on the line for a lot of people and an individual decision can change a career.  

"So I think a competition of this magnitude needs to have everything available to it and should be played at the highest level possible so the DRS is one of those things that we're getting used to now as players around the T20 circuit so it's a great decision to have it."