The highly-anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) between India and Australia is all set to get underway on Wednesday (June 7). The match is scheduled to be played at the Oval in London.
Australia, who are gearing up for their first-ever ICC WTC Final, qualified for the clash by ending their campaign in WTC 2021-23 cycle at the top of the points table. India, on the other hand, will be playing their second WTC final after finishing the cycle at the second spot in the points table. In the inaugural edition of the WTC final, India had suffered a loss against New Zealand.
There is absolutely no denying that the cricketing world is eagerly waiting for the clash. The recent photos of the Oval pitch has only increased the interest and ICC has taken it to another level by making two pitches for the marquee clash between the two teams.
Here’s why ICC has prepared two pitches for WTC Final:
According to Cricbuzz, the reason behind ICC’s decision to prepare two pitches for the WTC final is not due to any controversial or unusual reason. The governing body of the game has prepared two pitches for the clash as a precautionary measure. The ICC wants to keep the backup ready for any unexpected event.
The report stated that the ICC’s decision to prepare two pitches is driven by an abundance of caution, given the ongoing oil protest and disruptions in London. Recently, Just Stop Oil protesters stopped the England team bus while it was on its way to the Lord’s for the Test against Ireland. Fortunately for England, the incident did not delay their arrival at the stadium.
The ICC has implemented changes to the playing conditions, which include the addition of a new clause (6.4) that specifically addresses the rare occurrence of pitch damage prior to or during a Test match.
Here are the points of the relevant new clause.
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.