Sussex question ECB floodlight rule

By Bruce Talbot

Sussex coach Mark Robinson believes the ECB need to look at the rule which allows County Championship games to continue under floodlights.

The lights at Hove were switched on during the 45 minutes of play that were possible on the third day of Sussex's rain-ruined game against Warwickshire, during which time Sussex lost three wickets in nine balls.

The batsman complained that it was hard to pick up the ball, especially against the quicks, because the effects of the floodlights had overtaken the natural light rather than enhancing it.

Floodlights are being used for Championship games for the first time this season and Sussex played at the Oval earlier this month with them switched on for the duration of the first three days.

Robinson said: "The rule was introduced so floodlights could enhance natural light but it becomes very hard to pick up the ball when you are relying entirely on the floodlights and that makes it disadvantageous to batsmen.

"I sympathise with the umpires. They have to make a judgement call and are in an impossible situation. Anything that keeps you on the pitch longer is good because, after all, we are in the entertainment business. But one team should not be at a disadvantage as a result."

Batsman Murray Goodwin, who has scored 23 runs in four innings so far, has a chipped bone in his wrist and will not be risked for this weekend's three-day tour match against West Indies at Hove. Before then, Sussex have a first-class fixture against Leeds/Bradford UCCE, starting tomorrow (May 1) but the county are sending their second team to Yorkshire.


Date: 30/04/2012 10:21:31 by Bruce Talbot
In: Today | Sussex |