A rule change introduced in July 2025 has reshaped One-Day International (ODI) cricket, with captains now able to select one of the two white balls used at either end after 34 overs. This change allows the chosen ball to become older and scruffier, leading to a resurgence of reverse swing.
The impact is evident in bowling statistics. Pace bowlers' economy rates in the final five overs have decreased from 8.40 to 7.95 runs per over since the change. Their bowling averages have also dropped from 19.2 to 18.3 runs per wicket, indicating that hitting out at the death is now more challenging.
Worldwide, half of full deliveries from pace bowlers in the final 10 overs have swung more than one degree since the rule change, a notable increase from 35% in the 18 months prior. England, despite a recent loss to Sri Lanka at Headingley, have statistically benefited most, with their death bowling average falling from 36.76 to 20.91 and economy rates from 9.78 to 7.53 since July 2025.
Other nations, including Australia, New Zealand, West Indies, South Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, have all experienced slower scoring rates during the death overs. West Indies quick Alzarri Joseph and South Africa's Lungi Ngidi have seen significant increases in swing and improved bowling averages as a result.