Tom Moody comes up with an innovative solution to tackle slow-over rates in Tests

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is known for the management of cricket all over the world whereas the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in England is responsible of managing its rules. The MCC, from time to time makes amendments to cricket's rules and tries to bring ease to the game. However, despite the amendments, there are certain rules in the game that are criticised by the experts and also become a matter of controversy. 

3 things you need to know 

• The International Cricket Council has taken major steps to increase the popularity of cricket all over the world 
• However, some steps taken by the ICC have become a matter of controversy 
• The points breakage system in the WTC points table has been one of the major controversies 

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Tom Moody suggests some innovative solutions for slow over-rate in Tests 

Former Australian cricket team player and renowned coach Tom Moody has given an innovative solution for the slow over rate rule in Test cricket. As per Moody, ICC should deduct time from the players' break and resolve the slow over-rate issue. This will also help to accommodate the lost overs in Test cricket. Moody tweeted: 

Slow Over Rates, a solution to consider. With 90 overs expected the game must penalise the fielding side by taking “their” time. Simply expect 30 overs a session. If not completed take from the allocated breaks, 20 minutes off lunch & 10 minutes off tea. Overs unfinished can be completed in the 30 minute window at the close of play. Total extra time created 60 minutes.

Slow Over Rate Rule: Here is what MCC says about unfair play 

As per MCC rule 41.9, Time wasting by the fielding side: 

 It is unfair for any fielder to waste time. If either umpire considers that the progress of an over is unnecessarily slow, or time is being wasted in any other way, by the captain of the fielding side or by any other fielder, at the first instance the umpire concerned shall. 

• If the ball is in play, call and signal Dead ball.
• Inform the other umpire of what has occurred.

The bowler's end umpire shall then

• Warn the captain of the fielding side, indicating that this is a first and final warning.
• Inform the batters of what has occurred.

Slow Over Rate Rule: All you need to know 

If we look at what the slow over rate rule means in simple words, it is the total amount of overs a team has to bowl in the particular hour of play. As per the ICC rules, teams are expected to maintain a total of 15 overs within an hour of play whereas 14.28 overs in ODIs and 14.11 in T20Is. 

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In the ODIs, a team is expected to complete its quota of 50 overs within three hours whereas in the T20I format, a team has to complete its 20 overs within an hour and 15 minutes. If any team exceeds these pre-set marks, they are penalised for maintaining slow over rates. The governing body dishes out fines whereas bans are also imposed in some cases.