Ex-cricketers turned experts VVS Laxman, Shane Bond and Sanjay Bangar spoke about ICC and its decision to announce only one reserve day knowing the weather in England won’t be ideal for playing Test cricket. They opined that a ‘Timeless Test’ would be better, allowing play to go on for as long as it takes to complete 450 overs.
After Day 1 was washed out owing to incessant rains, Day 2 and 3 were subject to interruptions due to bad light. This ended play much earlier than the scheduled time. Day 4 is now off to a poor start as well, with the first session being washed out.
Day four of the #WTC21 Final has been abandoned due to persistent rain ⛈️#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/QvKvzQCphG
— ICC (@ICC) June 21, 2021
Also Read: WTC Final 2021: Fourth Day’s Play Of The Summit Clash Abandoned, Confirms BCCI
Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman, who is part of the analyst panel on Star Sports, told that the time at hand was aplenty to get a winner 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,” he said.
New Zealand can win if they bat well: Shane Bond
Following the abandonment of the first session on Day 4, a full quota of 450 overs will not be possible even with the reserve day coming in to play on June 23. Shane Bond, who offers his insight virtually on the show, agreed with Laxman and wanted one team to take the trophy home.
“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. Now, it means only one team can win and 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.
New Zealand, as things stand, are at 101/2 with skipper Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor at the crease. They trail India by 116 runs with 8 crucial wickets in hand. Any type of lead will be beneficial at this point as a fourth-innings chase is very tough in these conditions. Sanjay Bangar mentioned the same.
“Even if India manage 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,” Bangar said.
