'New ODI rules bowlers' nightmare'

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'New ODI rules bowlers' nightmare'

Mahela Jayawardene said that the new ODI rules, which came into force in the ongoing Sri Lanka-New Zealand series, were a bowlers' nightmare.

He was addressing reporters in Kandy ahead of Tuesday's third ODI against the Kiwis.

"The rule which makes mandatory for five fielders inside the circle has brought in added pressure on bowlers," Jayawardene said.

He said that sides need to be stronger in batting as in a chase they would have to be on pursuit of bigger targets.

"It is difficult for the bowlers to do well. They come under added pressure as boundaries would be easy to come by with just four fielders permitted outside in the non-power play overs," Jayawardene said.

The ICC made changes in the existing rules, including those in ODI cricket, which came into force in the current Sri Lanka-New Zealand series.

Jayawardene said Sri Lanka need to adjust to the new rules.

The team had experimented a few plans to suit the new rules in the second ODI on Sunday which Sri Lanka won to take a 1-0 lead.