'Simply expect 30 overs a session' - Tom Moody suggests changes in slow over-rate rules in Test cricket

Former Australian player and well-known coach Tom Moody has stepped forward and suggested a new rule for slow over-rate in Test cricket. In the present scenario, for the slow-over rates, International Cricket Council (ICC) either deducts fees by the specified percentage or World Test Champions (WTC) points. Whereas in white ball cricket, an extra fielder is brought into the circle for overs bowled after a particular cut-off time. 

Interestingly Moody's suggestion is innovative to solve the slow over-rate issue in Test cricket. The former Australian cricketer suggested that the alloted 90 overs in a day in Test cricket should be bowled at any cost and if a team fails to do so, time should be deducted from Lunch and Tea breaks. 

“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," said Tom Moody as quoted by Sportskeeda.

"Overs unfinished can be completed in the 30 minute window at the close of play. Total extra time created 60 minutes," he further added.

However, in a recent meeting of ICC in Durban, it was suggested by the governing body that on-field penalties should also be implemented for the next WTC cycle. As of now, according to ICC rules, teams are expected to maintain 15 overs per hour in Test cricket, and if teams exceed the time limit, the match fees or WTC points will be deducted in the longer format of the game. 

ICC announced new slow over rates penalties for Test cricket in June 2023-

In June 2023, ICC announced a new rule for slow over-rate in Test cricket. Players will now be deducted 5% of their match fee for each over bowled after the allotted time. There will be a maximum penalty of 50%. Whereas in the past, as happened during the ICC WTC Final 2023 between Australia and India, players were even fined 100% of their match money.

Additionally, with new amendments, if a team is bowled out before the new ball is taken, which is due after 80 overs bowled in an innings, there will be no over-rate penalty charged despite a slow over-rate being maintained by the bowling team. Until now, the limit was 60 overs which has now been increased to 20 overs more. It will be interesting to see if Tom Moody's new suggested rule will be part of new amendments in Test cricket by ICC.