What Is Used for a Toss in the Australian Cricket League?
Introduction: The Toss Tradition in Cricket
In cricket, the toss is a crucial pre-match ritual that can significantly influence the outcome of a game. Traditionally, the toss involves the captain of each team meeting at the center of the pitch, where the umpire flips a coin. The captain who wins the toss chooses whether to bat or bowl first — a decision based on pitch conditions, weather, and team strategy.
However, in the Australian domestic T20 tournament — the Big Bash League (BBL) — this conventional practice underwent a radical and symbolic change beginning with the 2018-19 season.
What Replaced the Coin Toss in the Big Bash League?
The Bat Flip
In the Big Bash League, the traditional coin toss was replaced by a bat flip — a modern, media-friendly, and innovative take on cricket’s ceremonial start. The bat flip became the new method to determine which captain would choose to bat or bowl first.
What Is a Bat Flip?
A bat flip involves tossing a specially designed cricket bat vertically into the air and watching which side lands facing up. Just like a coin toss has “Heads” and “Tails”, the bat flip has:
- “Hills” – The rounded side of the bat
- “Flats” – The flat side of the bat
Why “Hills” and “Flats”?
These terms refer to the two primary surfaces of a cricket bat:
- Flat side (Flats): The front face where the batter strikes the ball
- Rounded side (Hills): The back side that is slightly curved
This clever renaming gave the toss a fresh identity while still serving the purpose of a 50-50 outcome.
Why Did the BBL Replace the Coin Toss with a Bat Flip?
The decision to move away from the traditional coin toss was both symbolic and strategic. Here are the key reasons:
1. Innovation & Entertainment
The BBL is known for being an entertainment-focused T20 league. The bat flip adds a visually engaging and unique touch that aligns with the league’s brand of fun, flair, and innovation.
2. Audience Appeal
Cricket Australia wanted to stand out from other T20 leagues. A bat flip is:
- Easier to see on TV
- More dramatic than a small coin toss
- A conversation starter for fans, especially children and new viewers
3. Simplification
Since the outcome is determined by something already central to the game — the cricket bat — it brings thematic consistency and eliminates the need for a separate coin.
Is the Bat Used in the Toss a Regular Cricket Bat?
No, it is not a standard match bat. The bat used for the flip is custom-made, smaller, and lighter than a professional cricket bat.
Key Features of the Toss Bat:
- Made specifically for flipping, not playing
- Clearly marked with the words “Hills” and “Flats”
- Balanced to ensure a fair 50-50 outcome
- Approved by Cricket Australia and used only for the toss
The design underwent multiple trials to ensure fairness and consistency.
Who Conducts the Bat Flip?
The bat flip is conducted by the on-field umpire, similar to how a coin toss is handled. Here’s how it typically unfolds:
- Both team captains arrive at the pitch with the umpire.
- The visiting captain calls either “Hills” or “Flats.”
- The umpire flips the bat into the air.
- The side facing up determines the toss winner.
Reception: What Do Players and Fans Think?
Positive Reception:
- David Warner (Australian opener): Called it “a fun idea that adds a modern twist.”
- Aaron Finch: Said it helps bring excitement even before the match begins.
Fan Reaction:
- Generally well-received by younger audiences and fans on social media.
- Some traditionalists expressed concern about moving away from cricket’s historical customs.
Media Buzz:
The bat flip attracted global media attention when first introduced and became one of the defining features of the BBL brand.
Is the Bat Flip Used in Other Cricket Leagues?
As of 2025, the bat flip remains exclusive to the BBL. Other leagues like the IPL (India), CPL (Caribbean), and PSL (Pakistan) continue to use the coin toss.
However, the success and popularity of the bat flip in Australia has inspired discussions among other boards, especially those looking to modernize their domestic leagues.
Has the Bat Flip Ever Gone Wrong?
There have been no serious controversies related to the bat flip. However:
- In early trials, concerns were raised about irregular landings (like the bat falling sideways).
- Cricket Australia fine-tuned the bat’s dimensions to eliminate bias or irregular flips.
Umpires are trained to ensure a clean, vertical toss to maintain fairness.
Conclusion
The bat flip in the Big Bash League is more than a quirky change — it represents cricket’s evolving culture, where entertainment, fan engagement, and innovation go hand in hand with tradition. While it may not replace the coin toss globally, in Australia’s flagship T20 league, it has become a signature move that sets the BBL apart.
So, next time you tune in to a Big Bash match, watch closely — the “Hills” vs “Flats” toss might just set the tone for a cricketing thriller.
