The second Test between England and Pakistan at the Rose Bowl in Southampton witnessed rain and bad light play havoc on all five days. Only 134.3 overs were bowled in the entire five days, which made it the lowest number of balls bowled in a Test match in England since the Pakistan Test in Lord’s in 1987. With numerous complaints of bad light and with analysts slamming the ICC and the England Cricket Board, the third and final Test that will also be played at this venue will begin 30 minutes before the original scheduled time.
Play can begin at 1030 local time, 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled 1100 start if time is lost due to bad light or rain earlier in the test, the ECB said in a statement, “Following positive discussions with the ECB, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and various stakeholders... the ECB and the ICC have agreed to revised start times ahead of the third Test. The flexible approach will enable the prospect of making up time for inclement weather during the morning session of subsequent days rather than at the end of the day."
Play to begin at 10:30 AM on all days?
The ECB said that after the conclusion of play on the first day, the match referee, groundstaff and ECB Match Manager would discuss the start times for the next day and if the forecast looked good, play could begin at 1030.
The morning session would last two and a half hours if the start times are adjusted, while a total of 98 overs will be scheduled for the day. The ECB also said match officials would ensure that light is monitored to maximise playing time.
England are currently leading the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Old Trafford. The second match was ruined by rain and Pakistan will be making a big effort to square the series for the third consecutive time in the United Kingdom. England have not won a series against Pakistan since 2010 when they won the series 3-1.
