New Playing Conditions To Come Into Effect

New Playing Conditions To Come Into Effect

Floodlights are already in use to extend playing hours in dim light but day/night Test cricket remains a possibility

©REUTERS / Action Images

New playing conditions for Test, One-Day International and Twenty20 International cricket will come into effect for the first time during New Zealand's tour of Sri Lanka.

They play a Twenty20 International on 30th October ahead of five ODIs and two Tests, where the new playing conditions will be used following International Cricket Council (ICC) Board approval.

The playing conditions allow for boards to agree to playing day/night Test matches, change the playing intervals at tea and lunch to 30 minutes each and there are also changes to the Powerplays in ODI cricket.

Currently, lunch intervals are set to last 40 minutes with the tea break lasting for 20 minutes although the host team, with consent to the touring team, can now apply to the ICC to have both intervals lasting 30 minutes.

There will now be two Powerplay 'blocks' during ODIs, one of which will be mandatory from the start of the match and last 10 overs and the second Powerplay - chosen by the batting side - will have to be completed by the 40th over. During the first Powerplay, only two fielders will be allowed outside the 30-yard circle and in the batting Powerplay, three fielders will be allowed outside the circle.

Bowlers are now allowed to bowl two short-pitched deliveries per over.

The possibility of day/night Test cricket has moved a little closer with the ICC confirming that participating countries may agree to playing under lights. Both boards will be required to agree on hours of play as well as the precise brand, type and colour of ball to be used.

Technical changes to the way the Decision Review System (DRS) and the involvement of the third umpire in no ball calls have also been made as the ICC continues its bid to increase the percentage of correct decisions made by umpires in international cricket.

© Cricket World 2012