‘Fast bowling would disappear if future generations focus solely on their work with the willow’

Growing imbalance between the bat and ball is also evident in the prevalence of flat pitches

In the wake of increasing dominance of batsmen in cricket, South Africa pace spearhead Dale Steyn believes that fast bowling would disappear if future generations focus solely on their work with the willow.

Various lucrative T20 leagues like the Indian Premier League generally splurge a big chunk of money on batsmen capable of hitting big sixes and not on the bowlers with the quickest wheels.

The growing imbalance between the bat and ball is also evident in the prevalence of flat pitches which produce run-feasts in limited overs games and ensure Test matches go for five days.

The 32-year-old said that the game should encourage pitches where bowlers are able to take ten wickets while maintaining that nurturing talent that can bowl express pace was essential in keeping interest in the game.

Steyn, who has taken a staggering 406 wickets in his 82 Tests, also called on the International Cricket Council to help bowlers considerably, insisting that the game needs players who can bowl 150km/h even on day five of a Test match to keep that inspiration up for future kids.