The Edgbaston Test match in the first two days has seen the batters rule the roost and pile on the pressure on the bowlers. India posted a mammoth score of 587 runs on the back os Shubman Gill's career-best of 269 runs off 387 deliveries.
Meanwhile, in what seems to be a fresh controversy surrounding the second Test, England coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes reportedly approached the groundsmen at Edgbaston asking them to shorten the boundary size to counter the spin threat of the Indian spinners.
Stokes and McCullum though asked the groundsmen to shorten it the ICC rules and playing conditions. A Times UK report confirmed that the boundary size on both sides are not more than 71 meters. England in the recent past have pulled in the boundaries further against Australia and West Indies in the past WTC cycle.
Also Read: IND vs ENG 2025: "Just Flawless" - Sourav Ganguly Lauds Shubman Gill's Knock At Edgbaston
Advertisement
There's Communication Throughout: Edgbaston Curator Gary Barwell
The straight boundaries are just 60 meters nearly 30m short of the maximum allowed distance by the ICC’s playing conditions. Meanwhile, England in their quest to shorten the boundary sizes have not violated the ICC's playing conditions.
“No boundary shall be longer than 90 yards [or] shorter than 65 yards from the centre of the pitch,” reads a statement in the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions.
The rule further states that the home team can determine how long the boundary sizes can be extended and it will be kept the sme throughout the Test match.
“Before the match the umpires shall consult with the home board to determine the boundary of the field of play" the rule states.
Meanwhile, Edgbaston curator Gary Barwell spoke to the reporters before the match started saying that they help the home team to understand the conditions and the pitch and let them decide accordingly.
“There’s communication throughout … We give as much information as we can to suit what team we want to go for — and how we want to play our cricket as well," Barwell told the reporters.
Also Read: England vs India 2nd Test: Close Umpiring Calls Leave Chris Woakes Frustrated at Edgbaston
Advertisement
David Llyod Surprised With Ground Dimensions
Former England cricketer David Lloyd in his column for the Daily Mail seemed surprised and questioned the reason behind why the boundaries were brought in considerably.
“I was confused by how far in the boundary ropes were. I think it has something to do with having them not too close to the advertising boards,” Lloyd wrote in the Daily Mail.
Meanwhile, despite the supposed shortened boundaries, England posted just 77 runs and lost three wickets in 20 overs in the final session on day 2 at Edgbaston.
Also Read: Shubman Gill Scripts History with Record-Breaking Double Century at Edgbaston
