DUBAI: India and New Zealand would be crowned joint winners of the World Test Championship (WTC) should next month’s final end in a draw or a tie, the game’s governing body said on Friday.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has discontinued the use of the controversial boundary count rule, which saw New Zealand lose the 2019 World Cup to England after the final ended in a tie even after a Super Over.

“The playing conditions confirm that a draw or a tie will see both teams crowned as joint winners ...,” the ICC said in a statement.

The ICC, which also confirmed Dukes balls would be used for the final at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18, said there would be a reserve day on June 23 factored in to ensure five full days of play.

The reserve day would only be used if lost playing time could not be made up each day.

“There will be no additional day’s play if a positive result is not achieved after five full days of play and the match will be declared a draw in such a scenario,” the ICC further said.

The contest between the world’s top-ranked sides will also see new adjustments for decisions come into effect. The third umpire will now check any ‘short run’ call made by the on-field umpire and communicate the decision back to the official.

Following their 3-1 series win against England at home, Virat Kohli’s India booked their place in the world final as the top-ranked Test nation.

Kane Williamson’s New Zealand secured their spot when a series between South Africa and Australia was postponed this year due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2021