Why do bowlers change ends after every over? Cricket rules explained

Cricket is one of the most complicated sports to understand, as several aspects of the game aren’t even known to the most avid followers. Among the many peculiarities of cricket is the change of ends by bowlers after every over.

Those watching the sport on television remain oblivious to the common practice until they watch the game from the stadium. There are several crucial and game-altering tactics involved behind the simple-looking practice.

The laws of the game make it mandatory for a bowler to start a new over from the opposite end to where the previous over was bowled.

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What does the law say?

According to MCC’s Law 17.6, “A bowler shall be allowed to change ends as often as desired, provided he/she does not bowl two overs consecutively, nor bowl parts of each of two consecutive overs, in the same innings.”

The law has been put in place keeping in mind the several factors which have a direct effect on the game. The two ends of a ground are often not identical, as one end may offer more assistance due to wind, slope, pitch wear, or the condition of the outfield. Alternating ends prevents one team from bowling all overs from the more favourable end.

How does it affect a captain's tactical calls?

It also influences a captain’s tactical changes as a fast bowler may bowl with the wind to gain extra pace. A swing bowler may prefer an end that enhances movement, while a spinner may benefit from footmarks or rough patches at one end.

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Boundaries are also often shorter in comparison between one side and the other, which makes a captain employ his best bowlers from the shorter side of the ground against top batters and give the cushion of the larger boundaries to the weaklings of their attack.

The impact on Test matches

In Test matches, the rule is most effective as it allows even wear and tear of the pitch from both ends, making conditions equally tough to bat from both ends as the match progresses. Some captains even deliberately make their bowlers bowl from a particular side of the wicket to create footmarks for the spinners to exploit.

All in all, the thinking behind changing the ends isn’t as simple as it looks from the outset, as several aspects of the game are directly related to the move.