LONDON, April 3: England’s complaints about the use of floodlights in the third Test against New Zealand were given short shrift by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday as the world governing body maintained the innovation was here to stay.
ICC general manager (cricket) David Richardson said: “We must be mindful that players’ careers are at stake. Decisions to play in conditions which are unfair to one side or the other must be avoided, which is why we have given the umpires the discretion.
“International players, however, will understand that whilst the traditional values of our game remain paramount, they are in the entertainment business and that demands flexibility and adaptability from them.”
England had complained during the third and final Test in Auckland when New Zealand, offered the chance to leave the field because of bad light, opted to bat on under floodlights towards the end of the fourth day.
England argued their fielders had struggled to see the ball as New Zealand’s batsmen added 103 runs. New Zealand went on to win the game on Wednesday and draw the series 1-1.
Richardson, though, argued: “The fourth day’s play in Auckland had over four hundred runs and 16 wickets, it is action of this kind that provides value for money and keeps the world’s broadcast and print media interested in the game.”
An ICC ruling last year said that floodlights should be used in the event of bad light to try and limit interruptions in play.
England defeated Pakistan under similar cicumstances in December 2000 at Karachi which gave them their first series win in 33 years.
AUCKLAND: Adam Parore bowed out of Test cricket on Wednesday with no regrets after helping New Zealand beat England by 78 runs and square the series in the third Test in Auckland.
He also achieved the milestone he coveted most, securing 200 Test wicketkeeping dismissals.
The man who has been regarded as something of an enfant terrible in his often turbulent career, lapped up the ovation that moment brought from the crowd of about 10,000.—Reuters