Stop-clock trial begins with WI-England T20 series

After the introduction of stop clocks was approved at an International Cricket Council (ICC) meeting in Ahmedabad recently, the world body is set to trial it in international cricket, starting with the opening T20 between West Indies and England in Barbados on today (Tuesday), reports Cricbuzz.

The trial phase will consist of approximately 59 fixtures between December 2023 and April 2024, the ICC said in a media release, stressing its "ongoing efforts to speed up the pace of play in international cricket."

According to the new playing conditions, the bowling team will need to be ready to bowl the first ball of their next over within 60 seconds of the previous over being completed. If the bowling team fails to do so despite two warnings, they will cop a five-run penalty.

"We are continually looking at ways to speed up the pace of play across international cricket," Wasim Khan, ICC General Manager (Cricket) said.

"The stop clock trial in white ball international cricket follows the introduction of a successful new playing condition in 2022.”