Why Not Play Extra Time In Cicket As They Do In Football?

THE decision to let the umpires use flexible morning start times if required for the third Test between England and Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl was an innovative response to the rain and bad light, at the same venue, which had blighted the second Test the previous week.

- Graham Otway

For many years extra play in Tests has been available at the end of the day in England to make up for lost time with the bails sometimes not being removed until 7.30 pm. However, starting earlier had always been avoided to avoid upsetting spectators timing their travel to a game for the scheduled 11 am start.

But with Covid-19 causing matches to be played behind closed doors, it would not have been taken into account if the umpires had decided whether the action should have been getting underway at 10.30 am rather than half an hour later.

Now, the ECB has said that earlier starts will also be considered for future series – a decision welcomed by England coach Chris Silverwood.