ECB allowed early start time for ENGvPAK third Test

Southampton: The England Cricket Board and International Cricket Council (ICC) along with various stakeholders have agreed to revised start times ahead of the third Test.

Play can begin at 10.30am local time, 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled 11.00am start if time is lost due to bad light or rain earlier in the Test.

Following positive discussions with the England & Wales Cricket Board, (ECB) the International Cricket Council (ICC), led by Match Referee Chris Broad and various stakeholders including broadcast partners, the ECB and the ICC have agreed to revised start times ahead of the #raisethebat third Test starting on Friday at the Ageas Bowl.

Revised Playing Times Due to Bad Weather

• After the conclusion of play on day one, the ICC Match Referee, Groundstaff and the ECB Match Manager will meet to discuss the start times for the next day.
• If the forecast looks good in the morning, it will be an option to commence play at 10.30am and that final decision will be made by the ICC Match Referee, Chris Broad.

• The Match Referee will confirm the revised playing times, with the most likely scenario of amending to:
• 10.30am start with 98 overs to be bowled in the day 
• 6.00pm scheduled close of play
• 6.30pm extra 30 mins to bowl overs
• 7.00pm cut off for extra time for bad weather during the day

The morning session would last two and a half hours if the start time was adjusted.

The match officials will ensure that light is monitored to maximise playing time while it is still safe to do so. The safety of the players is still the number one priority for this protocol.