ICC panel bats for day/night Test matches

The ICC Committee has recommended the Test Playing nations to try out day/night Test matches after a lengthy discussion during its recent two-day meeting that concluded on Saturday.

While the committee chai­red by Anil Kumble didn’t ag­ree on reduction of duration of Test matches from five to four days, but they did note that there is need to bring back spectators for game’s oldest format.

“Day/ night Test matches were discussed at length. The Cricket Committee also received a report from the MCC on the four-day First Class match played with pink balls in Abu Dhabi in March, and viewed the condition of the balls used in that match,” stated a media release sent by the ICC.

“As a result of these discussions, there will be a strong recommendation from the Cricket Committee to Member countries that they should identify opportunities to play Test matches that extend into the evening hours,” release quoted the recommendations given Kumble and Co.

“There was also discussions on the concept of four-day Test cricket, and while the committee was not of the view that Tests should be shorter than five days, it acknowledged that the game will need to be open to considering proposals in the future that look to enhance the public appeal of cricket’s oldest format,” it further stated. 

Changes in ODI format
Acknowledging that the balance had shifted too far in favour of batsmen in limited-overs format, the committee also recommended the removal of batting powerplay besides allowing five fielders outside the circle in the last 10 overs. The committee discussed the ODI playing conditions, code of conduct as far as player behaviour is concerned, illegal bowling actions, use of technology and helmet safety among other issues.

It reviewed the ODI playing conditions and felt that there were times towards the end of an ODI innings when bowling and fielding captains appeared to have limited defensive options available to them.

The Cricket Committee will recommend to the Chief Executives Committee that there should be three changes to the ODI fielding restrictions: the requirement to have two compulsory catchers in the first 10 overs be removed, the batting powerplay be removed and that five fielders be allowed outside the circle from overs 41-50 instead of four.
This means that for the first 10 overs there will be two fielders outside the circle, for the next 30 overs there will be four fielders out and for the last 10 overs there will be five outside the circle. 

“We have enjoyed two very productive days of meetings in which the committee discussed a wide range of issues affecting the global game through practical examples and illustrations,” said Kumble, the committee’s chairman.

He added: “Overall it was an extremely positive ‘think-tank’ in which each of the representatives contributed to some robust discussions across the board. I would like to thank all those who added their vast input and experience over the course of the meetings and in making recommendations for the next series of Board meetings in June.”