The International Cricket Council (ICC) has implemented a new ‘stop clock’ rule in international cricket, effective from December 11, to address slow-over rates in matches. Running as a trial between December 2023 and April 2024 across 59 matches, the electronic clock monitors the time taken by the bowling side to commence a new over, penalizing teams for time wastage.
Operational under clause 41.9 of the revised Men’s ODI and T20I playing conditions, the clock provides 60 seconds for the bowling side to start a new over, visible on the big screen. The fielding team must comply, receiving two warnings for any delays, and on the third occasion, a five-run penalty is imposed.
The third umpire activates the clock after the last ball of the previous over or following the completion of a review on the last ball. Exceptions to the rule include a new batter entering between overs, a drinks interval, umpire-approved on-field treatment, and situations beyond the control of the fielding side. The first T20I between England and West Indies on December 12 marked the commencement of this new regulation.
In that match, West Indies once again shocked the England cricket team. Batting first, England team were all-out for 171 runs with returning Andre Russell picking-up 3 wicket-haul. Russell also displayed his firepower with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 29 runs in 14 balls to win the match for the Caribbean team.
This comes after West Indies shocked the England team in the ODI series, winning it 2-1. Now in the 5 match T20I series, West Indies have got off to a victorious start and would look to win the series too. The 2nd T20I between the two teams will be played on the 14th of December.
