Former India and New Zealand cricketers expressed their disappointment over ICC’s decision to keep only one reserve day for the ongoing final of the World Test Championship (WTC 2021 final) between India and New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
Rain and bad light has been a constant source of interruption in the ongoing contest where India was bowled out for 217 after the first day was washed out entirely. New Zealand ended day 3 on 101/2, which was hampered by bad light again.
They expressed disappointment at ICC not allowing the game to go on for full 450 overs (if needed) no matter how long it takes for the World Test Championship final to complete.
Former India cricketers VVS Laxman, Sanjay Bangar, and former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond reacted after rain threatened another washout on Day 4 in the WTC final.
“It’s very sad for the fans. I think ICC did not get the rules right. All said and done, you want a champion. With so much time available, I’m sure they could have at least allowed 90 overs in 5 days to complete 450 overs. That’s something I would have expected from ICC. We were excited that there is a reserve day but I’m not sure whether the game can finish (even with the reserve day) if the rain continues,” Laxman said on Star Sports.
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Two hours of play were lost in the next two days, meaning the reserve day was already in effect but the continuous rain since Sunday night, which continued on Monday morning means it is unlikely that play will start before Tea on Day 4.
In case the match ends in a draw or a tie, the WTC trophy will be shared between India and New Zealand.
Shane Bond feels that there is a chance of a draw or New Zealand winning the match.
“Both teams wanna play to win. The other thing is that the pitch is offering so much to the bowlers that even if you have three-four days of play, we could find a result. If the weather delays go on for long, sometimes it means only one team can win if New Zealand bat well after the rain finishes, it puts them in the best position but I’m with VVS, however long it takes, I’d like to see 450 overs and one team come out on top,” Bond said.
On the other hand, Sanjay Bangar felt if time permits then even a 150-160 target can be difficult for New Zealand on the last day.
“I agree with the suggestions. Even if India manages to give a target of 160, it’s going to be difficult on this wicket. Yesterday we saw how the ball just took off at times, Conway took some nasty hits on the gloves even Williamson. So, all these things will come into the picture plus the enormity of the occasion and the desire to get your hands on the trophy I think it’s going to be an emotional last two days,” he added.
(Star Sports inputs)
