Speeding in the third Ashes Test at Headingley was slow, but it didn't detract from the result or the spectacle of the match Photo: PA/Mike Egerton .
In parts of the world where spinning is the dominant style of bowling, the 90-over-day is still regularly achieved (with some help from an extra half hour).
But where the seamers rule, it’s more difficult. Concussion tests caused delays every time the ball touched the helmet, but that's a good thing because the game takes head injuries seriously. The decision review system as well as the judges' reviews of catches, clearances and stamps are also a welcome delay because generally the right decisions are now made on the field. The higher hit rates we see in the modern game don't help; of course, it is easier to maintain a faster overbet if the ball simply returns to the bowler. As a rule, this is low quality entertainment.
ICC Men's Cricket Committee Surav Ganguly said: “The ICC World Test Cricket Championship has breathed new energy into Test cricket by giving it a compelling context. In the last edition we had just 12 draws in 69 matches and we want this trend to continue as long as we give the fans the best value for money and keep the stakes high.”
Certainly the ICC and its referees much more needs to be done to speed up the pace of the game and give fans who buy tickets and hold a subscription great value for money. Glove changes by picky batsmen should be kept to a minimum, and drink breaks should be sanctioned even in extreme heat. The medical team should enter the field only when it is really necessary. Changes on the ground are conceivable, but long conferences are terribly boring.
At its meeting in Durban, the ICC leadership committee also approved a number of other changes to the world game, such as equal prize money for men and women at global events with 2030 and new T20 league sanctions, as reported by Telegraph Sport last month. The new leagues will only be able to field four foreign players per team.
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