Cricket

Southwick and Shoreham Cricket Club Bans Sixes to Curb Property DamageThe Southwick and Shoreham Cricket Club, a historic English cricket club established in 1790, has implemented a controversial rule prohibiting batters from hitting sixes. This unusual regulation stems from complaints from nearby residents about property damage caused by stray cricket balls.The club's decision was prompted by concerns from neighbors that cricket balls were hitting and damaging their windows, vehicles, and sheds. To address these concerns, the club has introduced a unique solution: any six hit will be declared null, and the subsequent ball will result in the batsman being out.The rationale behind this rule is that the club's ground is relatively small and cannot accommodate the powerful shots of modern cricketers. Mary Gill, an 80-year-old resident, expressed her support for the ban, stating that the club's young players were "hitting the ball as far as they can" and causing disturbance.However, the club's decision has not been met with universal approval. Some players have criticized the rule as "ridiculous" and argued that hitting sixes is an integral part of the sport. One player questioned, "How can you ban it? It's ridiculous. To take that away removes the joy of it."Despite the controversy, the club maintains that the rule is necessary to protect the property of its neighbors. The club's chairman, John Smith, stated that the club had "tried everything" to mitigate the problem, including installing nets and reducing the number of matches played.The Southwick and Shoreham Cricket Club's decision highlights the challenges faced by cricket clubs in urban areas. As cricket becomes increasingly popular and powerful, clubs must find ways to balance the needs of players with the concerns of residents.

England cricketer and Hampshire captain James Vince has been living in fear after his family was forced to flee their home in Southampton due to persistent attacks on their property. The first attack occurred in the early hours of April 15, when Vince and his family were woken by the sound of smashing and alarms going off. The attackers had targeted Vince's home and vehicles, causing extensive damage. The family was forced to move out temporarily while repairs were made.Barely a week after returning home, Vince's worst fears were realized when a second attack took place on May 1. This time, Vince was still awake upstairs and was able to get downstairs quickly. He saw the attackers using bricks to smash windows on both the cars and the house. The family had just returned from a benefit dinner for Vince's teammate Chris Wood when the attack happened around midnight.The incidents have puzzled Vince and authorities alike. Despite extensive investigations by the police, private security personnel, and intelligence firms, no clear motive has emerged. Vince remains convinced the attacks are a case of mistaken identity.Footage from the new security cameras has provided some clues. It shows a man with a torch passing bricks over a wall to another man, who then throws them at the house and cars. The second man wore a hoodie with a Gym King logo and had his face covered. This, Vince hopes, might be a key piece of information to identify the culprits.The attacks coincidentally took place on days when Hampshire had home matches, adding another layer of mystery. Despite enhanced security measures, the family remains on edge, fearing a third attack.The emotional toll on the family has been immense, especially on Vince's young children. Vince has now turned to the public for help, hoping someone might recognize the attackers or have information that could solve the mystery.Hampshire Police confirmed the incidents, stating: "Two incidents of criminal damage at an address during the early hours of April 15 and May 11. On both occasions, two cars were damaged, and the front room windows smashed."