The famously change-shy governing body of cricket around the world is moving to make the game's language more inclusive, replacing batsman and batsmen with batter and batters in official documents.
Key points:
- The Marylebone Cricket Club made official the change that a number of people and bodies had already made
- The MCC said "unprecedented growth" in the women's game since 2017 discussions made it clear things had to change
- A number of broadcasters posted on social media why the shift was a small, but important change
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which is in charge of writing and maintaining the laws of the sport, said the change would be made effective immediately.
"MCC believes that the use of gender-neutral terminology helps reinforce cricket's status as an inclusive game for all," a statement read.
"The amendments are a natural evolution from work already undertaken in this area as well as an essential part of MCC's global responsibility to the sport."
The change was suggested by the MCC Committee, which includes a number of former international players and the president of which is Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara.