ECB Chairman Richard Thompson seeks a more flexible schedule. “There’s significantly more excitement and interest around Test cricket now,” Thompson added.
Rain ruined England’s chances of reclaiming the men’s Ashes in the fourth Ashes Test in Manchester, reigniting the issue over scheduling flexibility in cricket. The chair of the ECB, Richard Thompson, state his desire to persuade the ICC chair, Greg Barclay, to consider more flexible scheduling alternatives.
The fifth day of the fourth Ashes Test at Emirates Old Trafford wipe away without a single ball being bowled. To make matters worse, slow over-rates during the previous three days had already resulted in the loss of several overs. Former England captain Joe Root address the matter, arguing that there should be more flexibility in the playing hours to guarantee that all schedule overs are bowl.
Richard Thompson stated that he would meet with Greg Barclay to examine the changing situation of Test cricket. He emphasize how England has changed the format, increasing enthusiasm and interest in the game. Thompson agreed that the situation necessitates a broader discussion in order to accept unforeseen situations such as these and make plans more flexible.
“I will definitely talk to Greg Barclay, the chair of the ICC. To make sure he understands what England has done to Test cricket. ” ” There’s a lot more excitement and interest in Test cricket now. This is part of that broader conversation about making schedules more flexible to accommodate this type of strange occurrence. ” He said on BBC Radio 4’s Today program.
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Joe Root brought out the lack of flexibility in England’s playing hours as one of the big talking points
Despite the fact that daylight lasts until 10 p.m., most Tests begin at 11 a.m. and rarely end before 7 p.m. Root questioned why inflexible rules determine playing hours. Arguing that teams should be penalize for slow over-rates rather than penalized for maximizing play and compensating for missed overs.
The ICC’s Test match playing regulations now give the home board discretion to decide playing hours, although Thompson argued that a revision of the schedule and playing periods could be useful. However, he admitted that striking a balance between audience, broadcaster, and logistical realities is critical.
While the concept of reserve days, such as the one used in the World Test Championship final, has been praised, applying it for each Test would be costly.
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