In recent developments, the International Cricket Council (ICC), on Wednesday, scrapped Cricket Australia’s request of adding a reserve day for the semi-finals of Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held on Thursday.
The all-important semi-final fixture between India and England, and later Australia and South Africa, is in jeopardy, looking at the grim weather forecast.
In case the matches are washed out, Australia and England will be forced to take the exit from the competition, without a ball being bowled in the matches. India and South Africa hold a superior place on the points table when compared to the hosts and former champions.
“We’ve asked the question (on a reserve day), it’s not part of the playing conditions, and we respect that. We’re optimistic based on the drainage at the SCG combined with a weather forecast that is not perfect but not terrible either,” CA lynchpin Kevin Rogers affirmed while talking to SEN Radio.
Rogers further asked the players from Australia’s women’s team to be prepared for a rain-curtailed encounter.
“It gives you cause to reflect and think about how you might improve things in the future but going into a tournament with a given set of playing conditions and rules. I don’t think it’s time to tinker with (the rules) as much as with an Australian hat I might love that,” he added.
ICC spokesperson, when asked about the plea rejection from CA, countered by stating that there was no window for a reserve day for a short, action-packed event such as the T20 World Cup.
“The ICC T20 World Cups are short sharp events where reserve days are factored in for the final. Allowing for any other reserve days would have extended the length of the event, which isn’t feasible,” the spokesperson retaliated.
Earlier in the tournament, South Africa shared a point with West Indies after rain washed out the Group B fixture.
“There is a clear and fair alternative should there be no play in any of the semi-finals with the winner of the group progressing,” concluded the apex council representative.
