'Draw as a result exists in a Test match' - Mohammad Azharuddin comes out in support of ICC amid criticism

The inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand has turned out a bit of a farce due to frequent interruptions. Rather only 141.2 overs of cricket has been played so far in the first four days and maximum 196 overs can be bowled now including a reserve day to attain a result. The fans and experts alike have been all over the ICC for organising the most important Test match in the history of the sport in England where rain plays hide and seek every time.

The fans were expecting to witness a close fight but rain has dampened all the spirits so far. To make things worse, the start of play on the fifth day has also been delayed due to drizzle. Even as the fans are lashing out at the ICC for poor scheduling, former India cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin has come out in support of the world cricketing body.

He lauded the ICC for adding a reserve day before hand in an attempt to eke out a result from the game. Azhar also reminded everyone that draw as a result still exists in a Test match. “If a test match is to be decided by overs bowled, then there would never be a need to call it a five-day game. Adding a reserve day for the WTC in itself is an excellent decision. A draw exists as a result in a test match,” he wrote in his tweet.

If a test match is to be decided by overs bowled, then there would never be a need to call it a five-day game. Adding a reserve day for the WTC in itself is an excellent decision. A draw exists as a result in a test match. #WorldTestChampionship #WTCFinal2021

— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) June 22, 2021

High quality cricket played so far

As far as the cricket on the field is concerned, both India and New Zealand have played superbly so far. The fans have witnessed some high-quality cricket thus far and though the Kiwis seem to be ahead in the game as of now, things can change quickly with conditions favouring the bowlers. After being put in to bat first, India started off well thanks to their openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.

However, they lost the plot soon to get bowled out for just 217 runs in the first innings. Kyle Jamieson was the best bowler for New Zealand as he returned with the figures of 5/31. In response, New Zealand openers too started well adding 70 runs before both Tom Latham and Devon Conway were dismissed. The latter is the only half-centurion of the Test so far as the Kiwis are 101/2 in their first innings.