Scotland Spinner’s Unconventional Tactics Spark Controversy in Oman Clash
Mark Watt, the Scotland left-arm spinner, is determined to continue employing his unorthodox 24-yard delivery against Australia on Saturday, despite facing controversy over the tactic during his team’s recent victory over Oman.
Watt’s trademark variation, which he describes as an attempt to “rush” batters by releasing the ball earlier than expected, has proved highly effective for the Scots. The approach notably helped him account for all three of his wickets in Scotland’s win over West Indies at the 2022 T20 World Cup.
“The ball is live. As soon as the batter has placed his bat down and faces up, looks up to the bowler, he’s ready to go.”
- Tom Moody, former Australia coach
However, during Scotland’s seven-wicket triumph over Oman last Sunday, umpire Chris Brown twice called “dead ball” when Watt deployed his 24-yard delivery, with batter Khalid Kail deemed to have backed away on both occasions. The second of these deliveries hit the top of middle stump, prompting Watt and captain Richie Berrington to seek clarification from the umpire.
While Watt suggested that Kail had been “a bit sneaky” in backing away, Moody, commentating for the ICC, argued that the ball should have been considered live. The Scotland camp expressed some confusion over the decision to dead-ball Watt’s deliveries, with allrounder Michael Leask noting that the spinner often employs the tactic and has found great success with it.
There is ongoing debate about the legality of Watt’s approach, with the ICC and MCC’s interpretations reportedly differing slightly. Nonetheless, both of the dead-balled deliveries in the Oman match were delivered from in front of umpire Brown.
Leask stated that Watt will not be deterred by the decision and is expected to unleash his 24-yard variation multiple times against Australia. Australia vice-captain Matthew Wade acknowledged the cleverness of Watt’s tactics, having seen footage of the spinner’s unorthodox approach on social media. However, he vowed to be more prepared this time, stating, “I’ve just got to make sure I don’t pull away when he does it this time.”
With the identity of the second qualifier from Group B no longer a concern for Australia following England’s thumping win over Oman, the focus for the defending champions will be on adapting to Watt’s unique backyard cricket-inspired tactics in their must-win clash against Scotland on Saturday.
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