ICC runs with the ball on expanding floodlit fixtures
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Floodlit test cricket came a step closer to reality yesterday. Or, at least, half a step, after the International Cricket Council's cricket committee agreed the organisation should be more prominent in promoting it.
The biggest hurdle to playing Tests at night is the colour of the ball (the white ball used in limited overs matches simply would not work) and so far most of the research has been done by MCC. Its pink ball has received decidedly mixed responses with the conclusion that it, too, would not be appropriate for Tests.
After the cricket committee, chaired by the former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd, met in London it was announced that the ICC would be more proactive in developing a ball and will soon have talks with manufacturers. To show they mean business, there will also be talks about the colour of the kit and starting times.
But the only other nod towards the salvation of Test cricket, which is suffering from low live audiences everywhere in the world except England, is a possible play-off every four years.
The Decision Review System is not only to be extended to all Test series (assuming India, who have steadfastly refused to implement it, agree) but to one-day internationals. It is intended that it be used in the World Cup in India next year, which should ensure that a tournament lasting 50 days seems even longer.
One-day cricket itself will be the subject of an overhaul after the World Cup and a league system may well be introduced, as well as other amendments. There is a move towards expanding the number of teams in the World Twenty20, the third version of which has just been a huge success in the Caribbean. This indicates that the ICC is intent in following its usual path in promoting cricket tournaments to the public by leaving them wanting less.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments