Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop has defended the adaptability of bowlers in the face of the ongoing debate about the growing dominance of batters in T20 cricket. Speaking during the International League T20 (ILT20) in Sharjah on January 3, 2026, Bishop acknowledged the clear shift in the game towards high-scoring encounters but insisted that bowlers remain a resilient and evolving breed capable of countering the trend. He pointed out that while batters are often celebrated as heroes, bowlers have historically adapted to changing conditions and will continue to do so.

Statistics from recent years highlight the batter-friendly nature of modern T20 cricket. In 2025 alone, a staggering 462,258 runs were scored across global T20 matches, with an average team score of 295.37 runs per match. The five-year trend shows a steady rise: 281.81 (2021), 280.54 (2022), 288.00 (2023), 285.40 (2024), and 295.37 (2025). High-profile examples include Punjab's 310 against Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and England's 304 against South Africa, driven by explosive innings from players like Abhishek Sharma and Phil Salt. Despite the numbers favoring batters, Bishop believes bowlers will rise to the challenge.

Bishop, who played 43 Tests and 29 ODIs for the West Indies, reflected on the historical perception of bowlers as "villains" compared to batters as "heroes." He argued that this perception has persisted, but the essence of cricket lies in the constant battle between bat and ball. "The more the game changes, the more bowlers will come up with plans to counter it. That has always been the ebb and flow of cricket generally—red ball or white ball or T20," he said. He stressed that administrators must now take responsibility for creating better balance in T20 cricket to ensure the contest remains competitive and engaging for players and fans alike.

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The veteran pacer also advocated for structural changes in the longer format, reiterating his long-standing support for four-day Test matches. He believes this format would suit the World Test Championship (WTC) structure, where results are crucial, and would help produce decisive games on sporting pitches. While critics raise concerns about weather interruptions and reduced recovery time, Bishop remains firm in his view that four-day tests would enhance the quality and outcome-driven nature of the longest format.

Bishop’s comments come at a time when T20 cricket continues to push boundaries with bigger bats, flatter pitches, and aggressive batting approaches. Yet, he remains optimistic about the future of bowling, viewing it as an ever-evolving craft that thrives on innovation and adaptability. His call for administrators to restore balance in T20 cricket reflects a broader desire to preserve the essence of the game as a true contest between bat and ball.

As T20 leagues like the ILT20 showcase the format’s explosive appeal, Bishop’s insights serve as a timely reminder of the need to protect the role of bowlers. His belief in their resilience, combined with his vision for Test cricket, underscores the importance of thoughtful evolution in the sport to keep it competitive and enjoyable for generations to come.

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