"Easy to sit there as a supporter and want to see more cricket" - Ben Duckett defends umpires' light call on Day 1 of ENG vs SL 2024 3rd Test
England opener Ben Duckett has defended the rules for bad light following Day 1 of the third and final Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval in London. The left-handed batter feels it's easy for fans to urge players to keep playing, but stated that only those on the field understand the conditions.
Only 44.1 overs could be bowled out of a total 90 on a start-stop Day 1 due to bad light and rain interruptions. The first two Tests between England and Sri Lanka contested at Old Trafford and Lord's also included days of bad light, which have caused some to question if umpires are too cautious about playing in gloomy conditions. Spectators also let out some boos when the second interruption came at The Oval on Day 1, which eventually ended proceedings.
Speaking after the day's play, Duckett stated that they have no choice but to play according to how the conditions are in England. As quoted by BBC, the Nottinghamshire batter said:
"If it does get more dark and more dangerous, we’re the ones out there playing. It’s very easy to sit there as a supporter and want to see more cricket. I think they saw quite a good day’s cricket in the short amount of time there was. That is living and playing cricket in England. They’re the conditions."
Nevertheless, England have adopted a highly entertaining approach in the encounter. After losing Dan Lawrence cheaply, Duckett (86) and Ollie Pope (103*) stitched an enterprising partnership of 95 off 100 balls. The hosts maintained a run-rate of five, finishing the day at 221-3.
"The umpires take you off and you have to respect their decision" - Ben Duckett
The 29-year-old added that the bowling attack you're facing can make a difference, using the example of Australia's attack from the previous Ashes. He said:
"It depends who you’re playing against it. I’m sure if that same Aussie attack last summer was bowling in those conditions, you’d probably want to get off the field. It does have a big impact when the lights are fully on and the ball starts swinging and nipping around. It's got nothing to do with the players. We don’t get the option. The umpires take you off and you have to respect their decision."
England already hold an unassailable 2-0 lead over Sri Lanka.