VVS Laxman And Shane Bond Unhappy With ICC As Rains Threaten To Wash Out Day Four Of The WTC Final

VVS Laxman and Shane Bond have expressed their concerns as rains and weather inclement threaten to wash out day four of the ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand. Like the first day, the fourth day also remains in danger of abandonment. VVS Laxman and Shane Bond have slammed the ICC for not accommodating enough number of overs.

While New Zealand had nudged slightly ahead by the close of day three, India had a lot to fight for to win the ultimate prize in Test cricket. Devon Conway and Tom Latham shared a 70-run opening stand, negotiating India’s formidable pace and spin attack after Kyle Jamieson’s fifer bundled out India for 217. The Kiwis finished with 101-2 on day three, with Kane Williamson on 12 and Ross Taylor yet to score.

VVS Laxman believes that with plenty of time available, the ICC could have allowed 90 overs in five days to complete 450 overs. The 134-Test veteran underlined that even with a reserve day in place, it remains uncertain whether the game can produce any result due to the weather inclement. VVS Laxman feels the ICC has messed up with the rules.

“It’s very sad for the fans. I think ICC did not get the rules right. All said and done, you want a champion. With so much time available, I’m sure they could have at least allowed 90 overs in 5 days to complete 450 overs. That’s something I would have expected from ICC. We were excited that there is a reserve day but I’m not sure whether the game can finish (even with the reserve day) if the rain continues,” Laxman said on Star Sports.

Both teams wanna play to win: Shane Bond

On the other hand, Shane Bond reckoned that with the pitch being bowling-friendly, even if there are only 3-4 days of play, a result is inevitable. Nevertheless, the former Kiwi speedster highlights that weather delays will only make way for a draw. Shane Bond agrees with VVS Laxman over the ICC needing to slot 450 overs of play for one team to come on top.

“Both teams wanna play to win. The other thing is that the pitch is offering so much to the bowlers that even if you have three-four days of play, we could find a result. If the weather delays go on for long, sometimes it means only one team can win if New Zealand bat well after the rain finishes, it puts them in the best position but I’m with VVS, however long it takes, I’d like to see 450 overs and one team come out on top,” Bond remarked.

Also Read: WTC Final 2021: Aakash Chopra Reveals How Kyle Jamieson Trapped Virat Kohli