England And Pakistan Agree To Flexible Playing Times, Play To Start Earlier In Third Test

In an attempt to ensure more game time is not lost due to poor weather, the third Test between England and Pakistan will see revised play timings. The second Test of the series was marred by rain and poor light. The poor weather in the crucial Test saw more than three days being lost.

The new flexible approach comes after discussions between the England & Wales Cricket Board, the International Cricket Council (ICC) – including Match Referee Chris Broad – and various stakeholders including broadcast partners.

The approach will enable the prospect of making up time for inclement weather during the morning session of subsequent days rather than at the end of the day. The match officials will ensure that light is monitored to maximise playing time while it is still safe to do so. And while timings have been made flexible, the safety of the players remain the topmost priority.

The revised start times have been agreed with the captains and coaches of both England and Pakistan and will be implemented for the final match of this series. England are currently leading the three-match series after winning the series-opener before the second Test ended in a draw.

Here are the new rules for the revised playing times:

• After the conclusion of play on day one, the ICC Match Referee, ground staff and the ECB Match Manager will meet to discuss the start times for the next day.
• If the forecast looks good in the morning, it will be an option to commence play at 10.30am and that final decision will be made by the ICC Match Referee, Chris Broad.
• The Match Referee will confirm the revised playing times, with the most likely scenario of amending to:10.30am start with 98 overs to be bowled in the day
• 6.00pm scheduled close of play
• 6.30pm extra 30 mins to bowl overs
• 7.00pm cut off for extra time for bad weather during the day

The morning session would last two and a half hours if the start time was adjusted.
The match officials will ensure that light is monitored to maximise playing time while it is still safe to do so.

(With inputs from ICC)

Also Read: “Hardwork And Sacrifice Getting Noticed”: MS Dhoni Responds To PM Modi’s Letter Of Appreciation

Also Read: N Srinivasan Explains How CSK Bagged MS Dhoni In The IPL Auction