The ICC on Friday (May 28) confirmed that the teams playing the WTC final will be announced ‘joint winners’ if the Test match ends in a tie or a draw. This was one of the decisions the ICC had to make ahead of the big final. While there were reservations about this decision earlier thinking this as the inaugural season of the World Test Championship, the ICC has finally decided on how to announce winners in case of a draw or tie. 

The ICC has added a ‘reserve day’ in case overs are lost in the final due to any reason. Meanwhile, the body clarified that the reserve day will not be used if a result is reached at in the first five days of the final. The match referee will provide both teams regular updates on lost time, if any, and a final call on whether the reserve day is to be used will be taken at the start of the final hour on Day 5 of the Test.

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WTC Final: Teams To Be Announced Join Winners In Case Of A Tie Or Draw

Meanwhile, there are some key rules will also be implemented in the final. These include TV umpires checking short-runs in real time, the enhanced height margin for LBW referrals and the option for the fielding captain or the dismissed batsman to confirm with the on-field umpire whether a genuine attempt has been made to play the ball before deciding to opt for a player review.

The ICC was to arrive at a decision on these two key issues by the end of this week and they have done it just in time. As per ICC’s initial rules stated for the World Test Championship, thought on the reserve day was not factored in by them. Meanwhile, the joint winners proposal was also debated upon a lot but the ICC has finally arrived at a decision which they felt will be a fair way of judging the winners. 

Meanwhile, the WTC final will be played in Southampton between June 18-22. The venue was finalised back in March keeping in mind the accommodation facilities and its close proximity to the hotels close to the stadium.

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