Speaking on Star Sports, Laxman said ICC did not get the rules right as having joint winners doesn’t sound right. He was quoted as saying, “It’s very sad for the fans. I think ICC did not get the rules right. All said and done, you want a champion.”
“With so much time available, I’m sure they could have at least allowed 90 overs in 5 days to complete 450 overs. That’s something I would have expected from ICC. We were excited that there is a reserve day but I’m not sure whether the game can finish (even with the reserve day) if the rain continues,” he further added.
Day 1 of the WTC final was washed out due to rain while 64.4 overs were bowled on the second day. Day three saw India resuming their innings on 146 for 3 and getting bowled out for 217. New Zealand then responded with 101 for 2 in 49 overs. There has been no further play in the WTC final since. The forecast for Day 5 has predicted more rain and cloudy conditions.
Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond stated that a clear winner was needed in the WTC final. He explained, “Both teams wanna play to win. The other thing is that the pitch is offering so much to the bowlers that even if you have three-four days of play, we could find a result. If the weather delays go on for long, sometimes it means only one team can win if New Zealand bat well after the rain finishes, it puts them in the best position but I’m with VVS, however long it takes, I’d like to see 450 overs and one team come out on top.”
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was batting on 12 while Ross Taylor was yet to score when stumps were called on Day 3.
--By A Cricket Correspondent