The England & Wales Cricket Board, (ECB) the International Cricket Council (ICC) came in for some sharp criticism after only 134.3 overs of play was possible in the second Test between England and Pakistan with the play being halted multiple times due to overcast conditions and rain.

This led to calls for revised start timings if bad weather affects the game for remaining one Test between the two sides which starts on Friday at the Ageas Bowl and it seems that both the England board and international council have paid heed to the suggestions.

ECB and ICC led by Match Referee Chris Broad and various stakeholders including broadcast partners have agreed to revised start times ahead of the #raisethebat third Test, in case of bad weather.

ENG v PAK 2020: England coach Chris Silverwood bats for early starting times for Tests

The match officials will guarantee that light is checked to maximize playing time while it is still safe to do so. The safety of the players is still the number one precedence for this protocol. The lithe approach will allow the prospect of making up time for intemperate weather during the morning session of subsequent days rather than at the end of the day.

The captains and coaches of both England and Pakistan teams have agreed to the revised start times and will be implemented for the final Test of the series. Further consideration will be given to applying these changes further at future series played in England.

 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 10.30 am 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:
 -10.30 am start with 98 overs to be bowled in the day
 - 6.00 pm scheduled close of play
 - 6.30 pm extra 30 mins to bowl overs
 -7.00 pm 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.

(ecb.co.uk inputs)