Ian Chappell appeals to umpires to help keep over rates up
Ian Chappell has called on umpires to help keep over rates up.
Australia’s over rate came under fire on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, with the home side well behind on their rate when rain ended play early.
And Chappell said slow play is one of the factors keeping fans from the ground.
‘Administrators don’t seem to understand how important it is to get the overs bowled so the people who pay their money get value,’ Chappell said.
‘The umpires have got to be told to stop some of the shenanigans that go on.’
Chappell said umpires need to crack down on minor hold-ups, like drinks being brought to the batters, and ensuring they are ready when the bowler is.
With the lost play, minimum overs will jump to 98, instead of 90, for the remainder of the Test, so over rates will need to be much quicker from here.
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