Steve Smith and Joe Root contend the toss on day one of the 2017-18 Ashes series CHRIS HYDE/CRICKET AUSTRALIA/GETTY IMAGESThe ICC is considering getting rid of the pre-match coin toss in Test matches. The international governing body’s cricket committee will meet this month to discuss a number of proposals which they hope will reinvigorate the longest form of the game. There is growing feeling among some at the ICC charged with securing the long-term future of Test cricket that boards are manipulating home conditions, which give their side too much advantage and make the toss overly important. The idea is similar to that introduced in county cricket two years ago in which the visiting team has the option of bowling first or opting for a traditional toss. This was brought in to encourage teams to produce flatter pitches, rather than bowler-friendly wickets, in the…

Source: The Times May 17, 2018 16:06 UTC