With rain lashing the WTC final, the sixth reserve day is bound to come into play. Know about its rules and regulations
Even before the toss at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Friday, the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand was hampered by rain. The first two days of the WTC final were rained out due to continuous rain since Thursday evening.
WTC Final 2021 Reserve Day Rules And Regulations
The reserve day, also known as the sixth day, went into effect at 6:40 p.m. IST, half an hour into the second session. The two and a half hours of play will be made up over the next five days, with each day starting 30 minutes earlier.
“The Reserve Day has been scheduled to ensure five full days of play, and it will only be used if lost playing time cannot be recovered through the normal provisions of making up lost time each day,” the ICC stated in a statement announcing the WTC final’s playing rules.
ICC Rules For The Sixth Day Reserve Day Of The World Test Championship Final 2021
Half an hour into the second session (6:40 pm IST on Friday), the reserve day was declared (June 18). So, in the next five days, two and a half hours of gaming will be covered up. It will now be 98 overs per day, with the reserve day bowling whatever overs were lost during the first five days.
“In the event that time is lost during the match, the ICC match referee will keep the teams and media informed on how the reserve day would be used,” the ICC said.
India vs New Zealand Final Rules
If the WTC Final in Southampton ends in a tie, India and New Zealand will be recognized as joint victors. England has hosted 32 Test matches in the last five years, with only four of them ending in a draw, indicating that the WTC final could go the distance even if rain intervenes.
Both the ICC and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) trusted the BCCI before finalizing the venue, which includes a five-star facility within the Ageas Bowl grounds, assisting in the creation of a tight bio-secure bubble for all parties involved.