WTC Final: ICC Issues Clarification Over Use Of Reserve Day As India Vs Australia Game Sees Over 34 Overs Lost Following Dismal Over-Rate

by CA DeskJune 10, 2023

Last Update on: June 10th, 2023 at 09:54 pm

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has provided clarification regarding the potential use of the reserve day in the highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and Australia.

With no interruptions due to weather or other factors, the match has already witnessed the loss of 34 overs until the lunch break on Day 4. The abysmal over-rates maintained by both teams have raised concerns about the further loss of overs, prompting discussions about the necessity of utilizing the reserve day.

In response to the speculations, the ICC has stated that, as it stands, it is “unlikely” that the reserve day will come into play. Furthermore, the ICC emphasized that the reserve day is intended to compensate for lost playing time rather than lost overs.

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“The Final has a reserve day in place on Monday, but at this stage, it seems unlikely that the match will extend to a sixth day, considering the absence of any interruptions over the first three-and-a-half gripping days,” clarified the ICC.

“The inclusion of the Reserve Day in the Playing Conditions serves as a contingency plan to recover any time lost due to rain or bad light. The weather in London has been surprisingly favorable so far, despite the typically unpredictable nature of early English summers,” the ICC explained.

The Reserve Day Will Be Activated: ICC

The governing body also mentioned the possibility of showers on Sunday afternoon in London and outlined the procedures for making up lost time during the match.

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“In the event of up to one hour’s playing time being lost on Sunday due to rain or bad light, the scheduled close of play will be extended. However, if more than an hour’s playing time is lost, the Reserve Day will be activated, exclusively comprising the time that has been lost due to inclement weather or poor light,” added the ICC.

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It is worth noting that in the event of a draw or a tie, the WTC title and prize money will be shared between India and Australia. Currently, Australia holds a slight advantage and would seek additional overs to secure India’s dismissal.

The ongoing WTC Final has witnessed intense competition and gripping moments, with both teams striving to emerge victorious. As the match progresses, spectators eagerly anticipate the outcome while hoping for fair play and an enthralling conclusion to this highly anticipated clash for the prestigious WTC title.