Griffith District Cricket Assoication introduces McGann Family and Alan Giddey memorial shields and format changes for 2020-2021 season

Newly elected Griffith District Cricket Association president Tim Rand said timed games had "run their course" and the change should give players the chance to get more time at the crease, and with the ball.

"We've changed first grade from timed cricket to 50 over day, night matches," Rand said.

"There should be a fair bit of excitement, a lot of adults and children will be keen to play since there's been little senior or junior sport."

It will see play start at 2pm on Saturday and finish at 9.30pm when competition begins from October 10.

Teams will play eight 50 over matches and eight 40 over matches.

"It gives players the chance to do more batting and bowlers have unlimited overs," he said.

"We've had even seasons of timed cricket, it's done the job for us, but it's run its course."

For players in second grade and third grade, two new Twenty20 competition shields will be added including the McGann Family Shield and the Alan Giddey Memorial Shield.

Other changes players will have to adapt to include precautions designed to reduce the risk of potential COVID-19 spread.

Rand said bowlers would only be allowed to dry shine the ball, which is then to be sanitised during drink and tea breaks.

Umpires won't be allowed to physically inspect the ball during play and players' celebrations for wickets and centuries will have to be toned down.

"It's going to be different, and the umpires will be there to enforce it," Rand said.

For the last 10 years Rand has served as vice-president of the GDCA and has taken the top job from Brenton Harrison.

Rand said there were 'big shoes to fill' but was confident the decade long working relationship would mean few issues.

"I"ve been vice-president for 10 years so we worked pretty well together, and we're not going to re-invent the wheel."

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