Sourav Ganguly led ICC Cricket Committee approves this change in the playing conditions for WTC Final  

Xtra Time Web Desk: There will be no ‘soft signal’ for the upcoming World Test Championships Final between India and Australia to be played at the Oval from June 7-11. The International Cricket Council will implement this rule change starting from next month with the WTC Final. As per reports, the ICC Cricket Committee headed by Sourav Ganguly has approved the rule change. Both the Indian and Australian teams have been communicated this change in the playing conditions.

According to ICC rules, a “Soft Signal is the visual communication by the bowler’s end umpire to the third umpire (accompanied by additional information via two-way radio where necessary) of his/her initial on-field decision prior to initiating an Umpire Review.”

The ‘soft-signal’ rule has been a highly debated as it forced the on-field umpires to take a decision even if he is not convinced before referring it to the TV umpire. The third umpire can overturn the decision only if there is conclusive evidence from the video footage made available to him. The rule change means the third umpire will have the final say on doubtful catches.

The other significant change in playing conditions is that the flood lights can be switched on during the game in case of poor natural light. There will be a reserve day (sixth day) as well like the last time.