India vs Australia: ‘It’s so disappointing’ – Justin Langer and Allan Border slam cricket’s ‘archaic rules’ after rain washed off final session on day two

India and Australia are battling it off at the Gabba for the prestigious Border Gavaskar Trophy. The second day of the final Test at Gabba saw India attempt to chase down Australia’s first innings total of 369. The tourists lost their openers fairly early and it set up an enthralling final session of the day with India’s experienced duo out in the middle against a fiery Aussie attack. But rain played spoilsport as it washed off the entire session.

But the hosts were not happy with the decision as umpires called stumps after the rain stopped, despite the centre wicket and circle appeared dry enough to play. Australia coach Justin Langer was disappointed with the decision which came on the back of a wet outfield. Langer feels that it is time the rules are modified to get in line with the ever-changing sport.

“As a cricket tragic that I am, and also now watching the business of sport, it’s so disappointing for us not to be playing cricket,” Langer told Fox Cricket prior to play on Day 3. “We’ve talked about getting cricket back on the airwaves and TV screens to make Australians happy, after what’s been a tough 2020, so not to be able to play because of a bit of soggy grass, it’s one of the areas we need to look at in cricket.”

“The umpires did what they had to do, but as a sport we need to look at that, no doubt about it.”

Allan Border slams ‘archaic cricket rules’

Former Australia Test batsman Allan Border was equally disappointed with the decision. And hailed the current set of rules as “archaic.” Border asserts that even if the rules were once relevant, cricket should now change them to modernise the game. The Aussie great explains that not many games are hit out onto the outfield, especially in Test cricket. And stresses that efforts should be put on resuming the game as quickly as the rain stops.

“We’ve got some archaic rules in cricket that are still in play, particularly for Test cricket,” Border said. “We’ve got the light rule, and also the rain, when you can and can’t resume play because of puddles in the outfield. Around the inner square and inner circle of the ground was quite dry and playable. What percentage of balls go into the outfield, and into the outfield where there are wet spots? There would be very few balls that would be hit out there.”

“To me, things like the rain delays need to be tightened up as to when you can resume. Little things like being able to change the ball… if you’re allowed to change it because it gets too wet, well let’s introduce that so that you get more play in this Test match. It just seems strange that we haven’t modernised Test match rules around rain and light.”

At the end of the third day, Australia finished off with a lead of 53 runs. India yet again showcased their defiance as debutant Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur notched up half-centuries to cut down the opposition’s lead.

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