Why cricket’s custodians have officially ditched the terms ‘batsman’ and ‘batsmen’

Cricket’s custodians have replaced the terms “batsman” and “batsmen” with gender-neutral terms batter and batters.

The Marylebone Cricket Club has approved amendments to the laws of the game.

The new terminology, effective immediately, has been brought in to “reinforce cricket’s status as an inclusive game for all” people.

It’s already led to some to brand the changes “political correctness” gone mad.

Cricket commentator Charles Dagnall told 3AW Breakfast there were bigger things for those people to worry about.

“I’ve covered a lot of women’s cricket and this is something that they care massively about,” he said.

“Small changes like this, over a certain period of time, makes them feel more included, like it’s not a standalone club for men.

“And if that’s the case, what’s the problem?”

Press PLAY below to hear him explain why it matters

The MCC has since clarified terms like third man, nightwatchman and 12th man aren’t included in the laws of the game and so any changes there are outside their control.