ICC, ECB Dismiss Calls For Reserve Days In Ashes 2023 Series Despite Manchester Drawn Test
Day 5 of Manchester Test was called off owing to rains (Twitter)
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have rejected calls to introduce reserve days for rain-affected Ashes Test matches.
Quiet recently, the fourth match of the 2023 Ashes series ended in a tame draw after ceaseless rains had washed out five sessions’ worth of play on days four and five.
The result frustrated a legion of Australian and English supporters, with some even calling to introduce reserve days in rain-affected Tests. Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg joined the bandwagon, only to have their ambitious proposal denied by the governing bodies.
ICC, ECB reject reserve day option citing costs concerns
The ICC and ECB officials have rejected the proposition of adding reserve days to Ashes Test matches citing cost concerns. The two governing bodies stated that such a move would increase the cost significantly over the course of a five-match series.
The apex body stated that mandating such a move would change the resting period between Tests. Moreover, on part of ECB’s broadcasting deal with Sky Sports, adding reserve days would jeopardise the agreement, considering a change in figure will not allow the network to earn for their on-screen talent.
Notably, the ICC has authorized reserve day options for World Test Championship (WTC) final matches, and it was first put to use back during the 2021 rain-affected clash between runners-up India and eventual winners New Zealand.
In the meantime, both England and Australia are now gearing up to clash in the series-deciding fifth Test match, set to be played at The Oval in London. A draw in Manchester ensured that Australia remains 2-1 ahead going into the decider, set to commence on July 27.
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