June 26th 2025.
In an effort to address the issue of slow over rates in Test cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently implemented a new rule. This rule, known as the "stop clock," is similar to what is used in limited-overs cricket and requires the fielding team to start each over within 60 seconds of the previous one being completed. The ICC has stated that this rule will help to eradicate the problem of slow over-rates.
The new rule was first introduced in the 2025-2027 World Test Championship, which began with the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Test in Galle. According to the ICC's official website, an electronic clock will be displayed on the ground, counting up from zero to 60 seconds. If the fielding team fails to start the next over within this time frame, they will be given two warnings. If they fail a third time, the batting team will be awarded five penalty runs. These warnings will be reset after 80 overs have been completed.
In addition to the stop clock, the ICC has also made a change regarding the use of saliva on the ball. While the ban on saliva remains in force, umpires are no longer required to change the ball if they discover any saliva on it. However, fielding teams may still use saliva on the ball in an attempt to force a ball-change. This change was not mentioned in the previous edition of the playing conditions for men's Test cricket.
The ICC has also clarified the process for referrals in case both the player and on-field umpire make a referral. If this happens, the referrals will be carried out in chronological order, based on when they occurred. Furthermore, in the case of a second review for a decision that was initially given "out" by the on-field umpire, the default decision for the subsequent mode of dismissal will remain "out."
Another significant change is the introduction of a new rule for "deliberate short runs." This refers to instances where batters appear to run more than one run, but one of them deliberately fails to make their ground at one end. In such cases, the umpire at the bowler's end will disallow all runs, bring the not-out batter back to their original end, signal a no-ball or wide ball if applicable, and award five penalty runs to the fielding team. The captain of the fielding team will also be asked to identify which of the two batters will be on strike for the next delivery.
The ICC has also given the TV umpire the responsibility of reviewing the fairness of a catch taken off a no-ball. If the catch is deemed fair, the batting team will receive an extra run for the no-ball. However, if the catch is not clean, the batting team will be given the number of runs the batters would have taken if the catch had been cleanly taken. This is a change from the previous edition of the playing conditions, where the TV umpire was not involved in the decision regarding the fairness of a catch off a no-ball.
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