WTC Final: What happens if the match between India and Australia is washed away by rain or ends in a...

By Aayush Pathak June 8, 2023

WTC Final: What happens if the match between India and Australia is washed away by rain or ends in a draw or tie?

The highly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) Final between cricketing powerhouses India and Australia commenced with a captivating display of batting prowess from the Australians on Day 1. However, with the memory of recent rain interruptions fresh in fans’ minds, the looming threat of inclement weather raises questions about the potential impact on the match and the measures in place to address such scenarios.

Australian batters Steve Smith and Travis Head dominated the first day, propelling their team to a commanding position as they concluded the day’s play at 327/3. Yet, given the time of year and the unpredictability of English weather, it becomes crucial to address the potential consequences of rain and its implications for the match.

Drawing from recent experiences, particularly the IPL 2023 Final, where rain disrupted play, it is evident that weather conditions can play spoilsport. To mitigate this, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has established specific protocols to address interruptions caused by rain during the WTC Final.

Will there be a reserve day?

The forecast for the upcoming days appears mostly promising, with predominantly sunny weather anticipated between Day 1 (Wednesday) and Day 4 (Saturday). However, Day 5 (Sunday) may witness scattered afternoon showers, introducing the possibility of time lost due to rain. To accommodate for such contingencies, the ICC has allocated a Reserve Day (June 12) for the match, mirroring the approach taken in the 2021 final.

In the event that scheduled overs cannot be completed within the allocated time due to rain or other factors, the Reserve Day will come into play. This additional day allows for the completion of any unfinished play and compensates for lost time. It is important to note that the Reserve Day will only be utilized if the match is not a regular draw, ensuring fairness in determining the outcome.

What if the game ends in a draw or a tie?

In the event that the match does end in a draw or tie, despite the inclusion of the Reserve Day, both the Indian and Australian Test teams will be declared joint winners. This would result in the sharing of the coveted WTC trophy between the two deserving teams, reflecting their exceptional performances throughout the tournament.

As the WTC Final unfolds, fans eagerly await an exhilarating contest between two formidable sides. While the weather holds its own element of uncertainty, the ICC’s well-defined regulations and the inclusion of a Reserve Day serve as mechanisms to ensure fairness and address potential disruptions caused by rain.