The playing conditions for the World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand, which begins on June 18 in Southampton, were confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday. The International Cricket Council has set aside one additional day, June 23, to compensate for any time missed during the regular playing days. Both teams will be recognised equal champions of the inaugural World Test Championship if the match concludes in a draw or a tie.
“The playing rules clarify that in the event of a draw or a tie, both teams will be declared joint victors, as well as the allocation of a Reserve Day to make up for any time missed during the normal days of the Final – which is due to take place from June 18 to 22, with June 23 set aside as the Reserve Day. Both of these rulings were announced in June 2018, just before the ICC World Test Championship got underway “According to the ICC’s press release.
The reserve day will be utilised only if “missed playing time cannot be recovered under the usual arrangements of making up lost time each day,” according to the ICC.
To compensate for the time lost on ordinary playing days, match officials can extend play by half an hour at the conclusion of the day and start the next day half an hour early.
“The Reserve Day has been set to provide five full days of play, and it will be utilised only if lost playing time cannot be made up under the standard arrangements of making up lost time each day. If a positive outcome is not attained after five complete days of play, the match will be deemed a draw in that case “The ICC’s press statement may be seen here.
In their backyard, New Zealand uses Kookaburra balls, whereas India uses SG balls, however the WTC final will be played with Grade 1 Dukes balls.
Aside from these two, three new regulations will be implemented in the WTC final: short runs, player reviews, and DRS reviews.
Before the next ball is bowled, the TV umpire will “automatically review” the on-field umpire’s short run call and inform him of his decision.
Before determining whether to take the LBW review or not, the players who were out or the fielding skipper may establish with the on-field umpire whether a genuine attempt to play the ball was made or not.
The “height margin of the Wicket Zone has been increased to the top of the stumps to guarantee the same Umpire’s Call margin around the stumps for both height and breadth in the case of LBW reviews,” according to the rules.