ECB turns down offer to have reserve day for final ODI

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has turned down the offer to have a reserve day for final ODI. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) offered the ECB to schedule a reserve day for the final ODI. The third and final ODI of the 3 match series is scheduled to be played today. However, heavy forecasts of rain is on the cards. Concerned about the game being washed out, BCB proposed a reserved day. The ECB wishes other way though.

As per the report in ESPNcricinfo, ECB turned down the offer citing logistics reasons. The decision could be a well thought one since the tour is already a very condensed one. England and Bangladesh played the first two ODIs in space of just 24 hours gap. Had the 3rd ODI been postponed, England would have got only 2 days to prepare for their practice match before the Test series.

Moreover, security officer of England Reg Dickason also advised not to come up with any last moment changes.  “The ECB were asked today whether it would be possible to schedule a rain day – we did consider the request. At this late stage, and on a compact tour, it is sadly not possible,” quoted an ECB spokesperson.

The ECB is keen on wrapping up the series today itself. This will give their players more time to gear for the Test series. Most of the players in the ODI setup will head back home after the conclusion of the ODI series. “The majority of our one-day players return to the UK on Thursday and the Test players are already preparing for upcoming Tests next week. We would clearly love to conclude the series and hope to get the game in tomorrow,” the spokesperson quoted last night.

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Talking about the match, Bangladesh are eyeing their 7^th consecutive series win at home. They have defeated the heavyweights like South Africa and India in the last 12 months at home. With the series leveled 1-1, the third ODI will be the decider one.