Referral system shelved for third Test

NORTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC) – The highly contentions umpire decision review system has been shelved for the third Test between West Indies and England, starting tomorrow at the Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG).

The International Cricket Council, the sport’s World governing body, who was trialling the system during the series, disclosed that given the short period of time between yesterday’s abandoned second Test and tomorrow, they were forced to make this decision.

“This is because the host broadcaster already has a great deal of work to do to de-rig its equipment at one venue and rig at another and asking it at the same time to ensure the system is ready to go would risk the integrity of the trial,” an ICC news release said.

“The trial will resume with the Test match in Barbados which will start on February 26.”

The ICC also confirmed that in keeping with the precedent of the abandoned Test match at Sabina Park in Jamaica 10 years ago, the match beginning tomorrow will become the third Test of what will now be a five-Test series with the records for the second Test remaining.

The World body also revealed that the VRCG will now be subject to the start of the ICC Pitch & Outfield Monitoring Process.

“That process was introduced (two years ago) to ensure international cricket is played in conditions of a suitably high standard,” the ICC release added.

The first stage of the process is for Match Referee Allan Hurst to submit a report to the ICC concerning the quality of the playing surface.

Once he does so, then the ICC will write to the West Indies Cricket Board forwarding that report and asking for a written report of its own on the condition of the surface including any extenuating circumstances which may have existed.

Once the WICB’s report is submitted then the ICC’s General Manager of Cricket, David Richardson, and the ICC’s Chief Match Referee, Ranjan Madugalle, will consider all the evidence, including studying video footage, before passing judgment.

The ICC has the power to impose a sanction ranging from a warning or a fine up to a suspension of international status for the venue.

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