New Delhi:
The much anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 between Australia and South Africa is set to take place at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from June 11 to 15. But as with any Test match in England, weather always plays a crucial role. This raises two important questions among fans: what happens if the match ends in a draw or is impacted by rain, and is there a reserve day in place?
What Happens if the WTC Final Ends in a Draw or Tie?:
According to the ICC’s official playing conditions for the WTC Final, if the match ends in a draw or tie, both teams will be declared joint winners of the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. This rule remains unchanged from the previous editions of the final in 2021 and 2023.
This means that if the match is tightly contested but no outright winner is determined at the end of five days, Australia and South Africa will share the WTC title.
Is There a Reserve Day for the WTC Final 2025?:
Yes, the ICC has confirmed that a reserve day (June 16) has been scheduled for the WTC Final 2025. This reserve day is in place to make up for any lost playing time during the original five days due to weather or other interruptions.
However, it is important to note that the reserve day is not used automatically. It will only be activated if the amount of lost playing time cannot be made up by extending the regular sessions on the original match days.
The final decision to use the reserve day lies with the ICC Match Referee, who will assess the time lost and determine whether it is necessary to extend the game into a sixth day.
Recent History: Why It Matters
In the inaugural WTC Final in 2021, the reserve day was used due to multiple rain interruptions, which ultimately helped decide the match as New Zealand defeated India. In contrast, the 2023 final between India and Australia concluded within the five scheduled days.
With rain always a lurking threat in English conditions, the reserve day for the WTC Final 2025 offers a critical buffer to ensure a result-oriented game. However, if weather continues to intervene or the game ends as a hard-fought draw, Australia and South Africa will be crowned joint champions.
Cricket fans around the world will be hoping for clear skies and uninterrupted action as two of the strongest Test sides clash for the ultimate prize in red-ball cricket.
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