Following threats from disruptive elements, the International Cricket Council (ICC) stated that it has had two pitches prepared for the World Test Championship Final between India and Australia.
Anti-oil protesters have threatened to vandalise the pitch and ground during the match at the Kennington Oval cricket ground. Security has been increased at the venue and the ICC also made changes in section 6.4 of the Playing Condition rule.
If the pitch is damaged then the match officials will assess the situation and see whether play can continue or not; if yes, they will continue playing on the same wicket and if not then they will look at the other pitch’s condition and take a call on whether to switch.
Both captains Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins have been briefed on the new procedures, according to sources. If both agree to play after the pitch gets damaged then they will continue and if not then the match could get called off or abandoned. Certain sections will play a crucial role depending on the circumstances that unfold during the WTC 2023 final.
First of all, if the on-field umpires determine that it is unsafe or unreasonable to continue playing on the match pitch, they shall halt the game and immediately inform the ICC match referee under section 6.4.1 of the rulebook.
Under 6.4.4, if the decision is to not resume the play, the on-field umpires will assess whether the existing pitch can be repaired and the match can resume from the point it was stopped in consultation with the ICC match referee. The ICC match referee must consider whether this repair would unfairly advantage either side or not, given the play that had already taken place on the dangerous pitch.
Under 6.4.7, throughout the decision-making processes that are mentioned above, the ICC match referee will keep both captains and the head of the ground authority informed about the situation. The head of the ground authority will ensure appropriate public announcements are made timely.
The WTC final will begin at 3 pm IST today till June 11 at the Oval, London; a reserve day has been set aside to account for bad weather.