- By Shailvee Tiwari
- Thu, 29 May 2025 11:01 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Today's Google Googly: The importance of the toss in a match is obvious to all cricket fans. It establishes the mood and provides one team with a slight but significant early advantage. Usually, it's done very straightforwardly: the captains call heads or tails after the umpire flips a coin. Even the toss is made more thrilling by the Australians. They made the decision to change things up and add a distinctive twist that draws attention and adds fun right away in their well-known T20 competition, the Big Bash League.
What’s The Big Bash League’s Toss All About?
Instead of a regular coin toss, the BBL came up with something fresh and playful — a bat flip. Yes, the winner of the toss is determined by a real cricket bat. This began during the 2018–19 season and quickly gained popularity among players and supporters. However, it's not just any bat; it's specifically designed for this occasion and crafted to land fairly. The visiting team captain calls out "Flats" for the flat side of the bat or "Hills" for the curved side when the umpire tosses it high in the air. The side that lands facing up wins the toss. To maintain fairness, they simply repeat the process if the bat lands awkwardly, such as on its edge.
Why Change The Coin Toss?
Being unique isn't the only aspect of this entertaining little custom. It was added to give the game more vitality and a more contemporary vibe. The bat flip fits in well with the Big Bash League's long-standing emphasis on colour, excitement, and engaging younger fans. TV viewers adore the suspenseful moment it adds before the action starts, and stadium fans cheer enthusiastically during the flip.
Players And Fans Love It:
Even better is how much fun it is for the players. The bat flip is more dramatic and entertaining than a standard coin toss, according to many cricket players. People now anticipate this signature move, which demonstrates how inventive cricket can be when tradition and innovation coexist.
A Small Change With A Big Impact:
The BBL has transformed a simple toss into an entertaining spectacle, a small but impactful reminder that even the slightest alteration can add an entirely new level of excitement to the game, whereas most leagues still flip a coin.
