ECB announce early start to day’s play for 3rd Test in case of delay in play

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) had a discussion and eventually agreed upon revising the timing of commencements in the 3rd Test between England and Pakistan at Southampton.

The discussion was led by match referee Chris Broad and several other stakeholders including broadcasting partners. The decision was taken to ensure that the lost time is made up for inclement weather during the morning session of subsequent days rather than at the end of the day.

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The match officials will ensure that light is monitored to maximise playing time while it is still safe to do so. The safety of the players is still the number one priority for this protocol.

The umpires have taken the bails off more often than any of the fielders this summer!

The captains and coaches of both sides have given their approval to the revised start times. Further consideration will be given to applying these changes further in future series played in England.

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The ICC have issued a statement with the revised playing times due to bad weather, which had the following points:

• 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
  • 6.00 pm scheduled close of play
  • 6.30 pm extra 30 mins to bowl overs
  • 7.00 pm 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.