What happens if the WTC final ends in a draw or a tie, or if rain spoils play?

The World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final is already underway at the Oval ground in London. However, the match is being played in London where 'it's sunny and rainy on the same day', we can't help but look at the weather forecast for the remaining Test. Indian cricket fans already have the bitter memory of rain spoiling the last WTC final at Southampton against New Zealand for us in 2021.

What does the forecast say?

• For the remaining 3 days, ie 9th, 10th and 11th June, there are chances of rain. How much, you ask?
• According to AccuWeather, there is a 3% rain probability for the third day, 79%for the fifth day, and 88% for the final day.

• Additionally, a yellow alert for a thunderstorm has been issued for the fourth day(June 10) after 2 pm. How gloomy does that sound? What if the game is affected by rain and loses a few overs or many?

In case of over losses due to rain...

• Thankfully, ICC has kept a provision for a reserve day in place for the WTC final on June 12. The reserve day will be used to make up for any loss of playing time during the five days to decide the winner.
• However, the day is not meant to keep both teams playing until one side wins.
• BTW, the reserve day too has a rain probability of 88%.

What if the match ends in a draw or a tie?

• Unlike other formats and leagues, using tie-breakers like boundary count, super over and even table standings, ICC say, in case of a tie or draw, irrespective of the reserve day coming into play, the World Test Championship 2023's mace would be jointly shared by India and Australia.

ALSO READ: Day 1 of WTC final ends with Travis Head and Steve Smith putting India on the back foot

How ultimate is the 'Ultimate Test'?

• To decide the champions of the purest form of cricket, whose cycle spans over 24 months, including 9 Test-playing nations, just a single Test match to crown the winner seems a little too harsh, that too in unpredictable conditions like in England.
• According to ANI, India great, Sachin Tendulkar touched upon the subject recently. He acknowledged how squeezing in the best-of-three WTC T final in today's busy cricket calendar would be a problem and pose logistical challenges.
• Aakash Chopra flagged this concern by criticising the current scheme of ICC on Twitter last evening.

Does the argument for having a best-of-three WTC carry any weight?