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Explained: Why was one over reduced in IND Vs AUS 1st ODI despite only 10-minute rain break

Anurag Dasgupta

Perth Stadium weather [Source: AFP Photos]Perth Stadium weather [Source: AFP Photos]

The buzz was high for the India vs Australia ODI series, but the tour started on a sorrowful note for the visitors as they lost three of their biggest stars cheaply. Rohit Sharma (8), and Virat Kohli (0), the two players who were making their comebacks, failed to deliver the goods and departed cheaply without givig much trouble.

Newly appointed captain, Shubman Gill, too, failed as he went back for a scratchy-looking 10 off 18 balls. India lost three quick wickets, but they were given a respite as the rain god arrived just in time to halt Australia’s momentum. The rain break was only for ten minutes, but surprisingly, one over was reduced from the game.

Why was one over reduced despite only a 10-minute break

Normally, overs get reduced if there is a lengthy break due to rain. However, the first spell of showers witnessed only a ten-minute gap before the game resumed. This surprised a lot of fans, but now, Cricket Australia has come up with a statement to give the appropriate reason.

As per Cricket Australia, "there is no extra time allocated for this match even though it's scheduled to finish around 8 pm local time."

Hence, irrespective of the intensity of the rain shower, the game has to finish within the allocated time period. Unlike an IPL match that goes beyond its normal time in case of rain, the same rule doesn’t apply to bilaterals (unless it’s a knockout or a World Cup game).

More overs to be reduced?

Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer tried to steady the sinking Indian ship before the rain god decided to show up once again, this time with more intensity. The entire square was covered, and the match is yet to resume. With too many overs already lost, Cricket Australia will further reduce them so that the match ends on time.

The match was eventually reduced to a 35-overs affair, as rain continued to haunt both sets of fans.