An umpires idea to help innovate the fielding side, please discuss

As an umpire I thought I would take a look at some changes that could be made to lesser discussed laws to help innovate the game a little for the fielding side the way that the batting side has been able to do recently (which I'm totally all for, I love innovation, suck it Chappelli). I know this convo comes up regularly but I haven't seen this one discussed so I thought I would throw it out there.

28.6 MOVEMENT BY ANY FIELDER OTHER THAN THE WICKET-KEEPER

28.6.1 Any movement by any fielder, excluding the wicket-keeper, after the ball comes into play and before the ball reaches the striker, is unfair except for the following:

28.6.1.1 minor adjustments to stance or position in relation to the striker’s wicket.

28.6.1.2 movement by any fielder, other than a close fielder, towards the striker or the striker’s wicket that does not significantly alter the position of the fielder.

28.6.1.3 movement by any fielder in response to the stroke that the striker is playing or that his/her actions suggest he/she intends to play.

I would straight up delete this rule. Allow fielders to move laterally or drastically forwards and backwards while the bowler is running in. Batters have the advantage of knowing where the gaps are before the ball is bowled and as such are able to pre-meditate shots. This has led to exciting shots like the ramp and switch hits, both great shots, but shots that have taken advantage of their pre-existing knowledge of the field and the fact that that field will not change. True for regular shots also, aiming your cut shot to backward point because the fielder is at regular point.

Now as a batter, if the bowler is running in and I'm not sure if the point fielder is going to move or not, I am forced into a chess game of will they or won't they. Same is true for the fielding side, should they or shouldn't they. Sure my switch hit will clear the infield, but if that fielder has made a dash backwards then the risk levels have gone well up.

Could make it interesting, potentially more wickets.

The cons from an umpiring standpoint are pretty big though. Keeping track of how many people are inside the circle at the moment of release would be a nightmare. Potentially time problems if plans are suddenly having to be constantly discussed on field. Probably more, distraction of batter etc. Its not perfect alright, geez, its just an idea

submitted by /u/armpitchoochoo
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