Big Bash League bosses have finally signed off a tweak that’s been bubbling away for years: from the 2026-27 campaign each side may name one player who only bats and another who only fields. In essence it’s cricket’s version of baseball’s designated hitter, though the league is calling it “designated batter and fielder”.
The basic idea is simple. A team can bring in a specialist striker, someone who pads up, swings hard, then puts the feet up while eleven others chase leather. Meanwhile a gun out-fielder – or even a spare wicketkeeper – can be picked without having to take guard. The remaining nine players still do both jobs.
Officials hope the shift keeps marquee names around for a bit longer. Chris Lynn at Adelaide and Perth’s Mitchell Marsh were the examples most often mentioned during planning meetings; both still crunch the ball square but have spoken about saving their bodies in the deep. There’s also the carrot for Test players such as Travis Head, who sat out this summer after a hectic Ashes, to squeeze in a few BBL matches without risking sore hammies.
Australian great Ricky Ponting sees more than just nostalgia in it. “Some of these guys might be at a stage of their career where they feel that they can’t make much of an impact [in the field],” Ponting told Seven. “They also might be worried about picking up an injury while they’re in the field, which is another big part of it.
“And what this tournament doesn’t want is to have these guys not playing, especially at this stage of the tournament when the big games are coming around. We all want to be seeing the best players playing, so if this rule helps that and keeps the longevity up, then that’s great.”
There are limits. Neither the designated batter nor the designated fielder is allowed to bowl, so no sly late-over swap-ins. If a coach fancies a standard XI instead – no problem, pick the usual side and move on.
Melbourne Stars all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is curious rather than convinced. “It adds something to the tournament,” he said on Seven. “It will be interesting to see how it plays out though next year.”
From a recruitment perspective, consultant Trent Woodhill believes the tweak opens fresh tactical space. “Feedback from players around the world to the concept has been very positive,” Woodhill noted. “They know what a great experience a summer in Australia is and we anticipate this rule will help to attract even more top-tier talent next season.”
For now the change is men-only. WBBL officials will keep an eye on how it unfolds before deciding whether to mirror the move in coming seasons.
