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England v West Indies

Nasser Hussain calls on the ICC to change ‘bad light’ protocols

by Wisden Staff 2 minute read

Speaking on Sky Sports Cricket, former England captain Nasser Hussain expressed his desire for the ICC to change the protocols surrounding delays for bad light, suggesting play should continue in conditions when it is not currently permitted.

Hussain was speaking during the broadcast of the first day’s play of the first Test between England and West Indies at the Ageas Bowl, which was interrupted by both rain and bad light, despite the floodlights being in full operation.

The ICC Playing Conditions currently leave it entirely to the umpires to decide if light mean it would be “unreasonable for play to take place”. Hussain didn’t specify exactly what change to the playing conditions or the guidance he would like to see, but seemed to want the umpires to keep the players on for longer even if light might be considered poor.

“It’s one thing you have to try and explain to somebody new to the game,” he said. “You spend a lot of money on lights, turn the lights on and go off for light. On this occasion they’ve gone off for rain. It is something eventually that I’d like the ICC to change really. They might say ‘You’re a retired player’ and [talk about] stats, but look at that, the lights are on. If it wasn’t raining now, maybe the players could buy into the fact that the game needs to keep selling itself and if you can stay on, do stay on.”

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