Ben Stokes, Joe Root bat for flexibility in playing regulations for Test cricket after rain played spoilsport in fourth Ashes Test

England captain Joe Root and Man of the Match Ben Stokes in discussion. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

In a heartbreaking turn of events at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground, England’s hopes of securing the Ashes were dashed due to two days of the fourth Test getting washed away due to incessant rains. As a result, Australia were happy to snatch a draw result while being on the verge of a defeat. This meant that the visitors were able to retain the coveted Ashes series.

In the aftermath, several experts gave their views on how the rules in place dictate more than the playing conditions available for both the teams concerned. In the same vein, England’s mainstay, Joe Root, didn’t hesitate to voice his concerns and advocate for more flexibility in playing regulations. Root emphasized that the conditions in England are favourable until 10 pm during the summers. Hence, he suggested that there should be more opportunities to maximize playtime.

The 32-year-old questioned the decision to stop the game early in the evening without bowling the full quota of overs allotted for each day. Moreover, Root called in for some consistency and finding ways towards carrying on the game. He also cited Edgbaston where England batted in rather tricky conditions.

“Why can’t we just play until we bowl the overs? There are so many different ways of trying to find opportunities to get as much play in as possible. At every opportunity at every stage, you should be looking to find ways to get the Test on. We batted in worse conditions at Edgbaston, but that is cricket. You just want consistency in those conditions,” Root was quoted as saying by Rediff.com.

Stokes is disappointed but opposes a reserve day for Test Cricket

England’s skipper Ben Stokes also shared his disappointment at missing out on reclaiming the Ashes. However, he wasn’t in favour of having reserve days in Test cricket. He acknowledged the need for a reserve day in the World Test Championship final to ensure a definitive winner, but he doesn’t believe that it should be a part of a regular Test series.

“This is a tough way to not be able to get the urn back but I probably wouldn’t be on the side of saying there should be reserve days. Test cricket is five days,” Stokes told Sky Sports

The rain-affected match raised important questions about the need for more flexibility in scheduling and playing regulations in Test cricket. While fans and players alike understand that cricket is subject to unpredictable weather conditions, the call for exploring ways to accommodate more playtime is gaining momentum.

As the cricketing community reflects on the outcome of the Ashes 2023, it becomes evident that striking a balance between tradition and adaptability is crucial. As we all know unpredictability is the main excitement of Test cricket which unfolds the real battle between bat and ball for five days. However, with the evolution of the sport and changing weather patterns, finding ways to ensure more cricket is played without compromising the essence of the game is a challenge that needs to be addressed