The International Cricket Council (ICC) has kept two pitches ready for the ongoing ICC World Test Championship final between Australia and India at The Oval in London.
While this is not a regular occurrence, the ICC has decided to keep two pitches ready as a precautionary measure for unexpected circumstances.
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Why has ICC prepared two pitches for the WTC Final?
ICC has been warned about the ongoing green protests and disruptions against oil in London. In fear of pitch intrusions by protestors, the world body has kept two pitches ready in case the main pitch gets disturbed.
In line with these measures, the ICC has also introduced alterations to the playing conditions, including a new clause (6.4) that addresses the unlikely scenario of pitch damage before or during the Test.
Both India and Australia have been informed about ICC's decision.
What is ICC's new clause 6.4?
Clause 6.4: Changing the Pitch
- 6.4.1: If the on-field umpires determine that it is unsafe or unreasonable to continue play on the match pitch, they shall halt the game and immediately inform the ICC match referee.
- 6.4.2: The on-field umpires and ICC match referee will consult with both captains.
- 6.4.3: If the captains agree to resume play, the game will recommence.
- 6.4.4: If the decision is not to resume play, the on-field umpires, in consultation with the ICC match referee, will assess whether the existing pitch can be repaired and the match can resume from the point it was stopped. The ICC match referee must consider whether this repair would unfairly advantage either side, given the play that had already taken place on the dangerous pitch.
- 6.4.5: If the decision is that the existing pitch cannot be repaired, the ICC match referee will collaborate with the ICC to explore options for the match to continue on another pitch at the same venue, provided the ICC is satisfied that the new pitch meets the required Test standard.
- 6.4.6: If it is not feasible to resume the match on another pitch at the same venue on any scheduled day of the match (including the reserve day), the match will be abandoned (no result).
- 6.4.7: Throughout the decision-making processes mentioned above, the ICC match referee will keep both captains and the head of the ground authority informed. The head of the ground authority will ensure appropriate and timely public announcements are made.
