In a surprising turn of events, an English Cricket Club has implemented a ban on hitting sixes following complaints from neighbors about property damage. Southwick and Shoreham Cricket Club, established in 1790 and located near Brighton, has introduced a strict new rule: players will not score runs for hitting a six, and a second six will result in the player being dismissed.

Neighbors complain as English Cricket Club bans sixes

The English Cricket Club is believed to have introduced the new rule banning sixes due to damage to residents’ cars and windows. Residents living near The Green in Southwick, the club’s home ground, had lodged complaints with the club.

According to the Daily Mail, one player expressed frustration with the decision, suggesting that people buying houses near a cricket ground should expect occasional cricket balls in their gardens. “Everything is about health and safety these days, and insurance companies are charging a fortune to cover sports clubs against accidental damage or injury. If you buy a house next to a cricket ground, you should anticipate a few cricket balls in your garden,” the player was quoted as saying.

Another player called the ban ‘ridiculous,’ arguing that it detracts from the enjoyment of the game. “How can you ban it? It’s ridiculous. Taking that away removes the joy of playing. I don’t agree with tinkering with the rules in this way,” the player stated.

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“It seemed like a sensible decision,” said the treasurer of Southwick and Shoreham Club

Mark Broxup, the treasurer of Southwick and Shoreham Club, defended the decision to ban sixes, citing the financial strain caused by property damage. “We decided to ban sixes after several incidents where cars, houses, and even roofs were damaged. We want to avoid expensive insurance costs and potential legal claims, so it seemed like a sensible decision,” Broxup told the Daily Mail.

Conversely, local resident Mary Gill welcomed the ban, noting that the small size of the ground has consistently led to damage from cricket balls. “I’ve lived here all my life, and I think the ban is a positive step. The ground is too small for the enthusiastic young players who just want to hit the ball as far as possible,” Gill said. She added, “My parents and grandparents lived here before me, and cricket balls have always caused damage.”

Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes that relying solely on pace won’t be enough for England to make history in the upcoming Ashes series in Australia. The next Ashes series, scheduled for the end of 2025, is already prompting England to prepare a competitive team for the historic challenge.

Ahead of the first Test against the West Indies, England captain Ben Stokes emphasized that the team is building with the future Ashes series in mind. England last secured the Ashes in 2015 with a thrilling 3-2 victory at home, but Australia has retained the trophy since then.

In Ashes series played in Australia, the home team has shown formidable dominance. England has not won a Test match in Australia since 2011, with recent series results being particularly disheartening: 5-0, 4-0, and 4-0 losses in their last three visits.

“Pace Isn’t Everything”, warns Nasser Hussain ahead of Ashes 2025

In his column for the Daily Mail, Hussain cautioned England that having sheer pace alone won’t be enough; skill must complement speed. He identified Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood as the two bowlers certain to make the trip to Australia.

“Pace alone isn’t enough,” Hussain wrote in his column. “If you go to Australia and just bowl fast without control, you’ll be easily taken apart. The key to success down under is a blend of pace and skill, as Gus Atkinson demonstrated in the first match of the series and Mark Wood showed here, even though he didn’t get the wickets he deserved. England can’t afford to rely on the same old strategies. It’s crucial to find solutions beforehand.”

“Pace alone isn’t enough. If you go to Australia and just rely on speed, you’ll end up all over the place. The key is combining pace with skill, as Gus Atkinson demonstrated in the first match of the series and as Mark Wood, despite not getting the wickets he deserved, showed here. England can’t afford to arrive in Australia with the same old approach; they need to find a solution in advance,” Hussain wrote in his column.

Gus Atkinson recently impressed in James Anderson’s farewell Test at Lord’s, where he claimed 12 wickets on his debut and was named Player of the Match. Meanwhile, Mark Wood delivered a spectacular spell in the second Test but was unlucky not to secure any wickets. Both Atkinson and Wood, known for their high pace, could be crucial on the fast and bouncy pitches in Australia.

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Nasser Hussain commends Shoaib Bashir

Nasser Hussain also praised Shoaib Bashir for his outstanding off-spin performance on Day 4 of the Test.England’s choice of Shoaib Bashir reflects their strategy of balancing immediate needs with future prospects. Since Muttiah Muralitharan in 2006, no spinner had taken a five-for in a Test at Nottingham. Bashir earned his accolades by demonstrating key qualities of an off-spinner—he extracted a beautiful drop on the ball to dismiss Alick Athanaze and bowled Jason Holder with a stunning delivery.

This performance will benefit him and the entire England bowling attack.England won the second Test against the West Indies by a commanding 241 runs. Despite West Indies initially taking a first-innings lead, England’s aggressive Bazball approach in their third innings allowed them to set a formidable target.

Chasing 385 for victory in the fourth innings, the West Indies faltered and were dismissed for just 143 runs. Shoaib Bashir took 5 wickets for England, while Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson each claimed 2 wickets.