ICC set to crack down on bat sizes ?

"And less than three weeks after South Africa's AB de Villiers smashed the fastest one-day international hundred in history, taking only 31 balls to reach the milestone, the sport's governing body has indicated a move towards reining in the size of bats," The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

ICC chief executive David Richardson also feels that the balance in modern day cricket might have shifted 'a little bit too much '  in favour of the batsmen.

Speaking to espncricinfo.com, he said: "The balance may have shifted a little bit too much because sometimes poor shots or mis-hits are going for a six. Let us try and rectify that. "

He said: "What we have done up until now is try and maximize the size of the boundary. You will see for the World Cup, most of the grounds in Australia in particular, which allow for big playing surfaces, boundary ropes will be pushed back to at least 90 yards where possible."

Speaking on bowlers, he said: "Let us look at the bats going forward, but I'm not so sure bowlers need to be too upset. You can't have a rate of three runs per over any more. That is unrealistic in 50-overs cricket. But if you are saying 'I am giving five runs per over and getting two wickets per innings', then let us judge those bowlers and regard them as amongst the best in the world."

The World Cup is being hosted by Australia and New Zealand this year. It will commence from Feb 14.