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Toss to remain in Tests, tougher sanctions for poor behaviour, ball tampering

Mumbai: Toss will remain the fundamental starting point of a Test match as the Anil Kumble-led Cricket Committee of the ICC on Tuesday decided against abolishing the spin of coin in the game's traditional format, calling it an "integral part of the narrative".
Led by the former India captain, the committee made a slew of recommendations with regards to poor player behaviour, and urged the world cricket's governing body to take tough measures and restore the "culture of respect" among competing teams and its players. It also called for greater sanctions for indulging in ball tampering.
However, one of the primary points of discussion was whether to do away with the toss (visiting team getting right to choose) in order to minimise the home advantage during Test matches. "The committee discussed whether the toss should be automatically awarded to the visiting team but felt that it was an integral part of Test cricket which forms part of the narrative of the game," the ICC stated in a release.
However, the committee, comprising former captains such as Mike Gatting, Mahela Jayawardene, current international coach Mike Hesson (New Zealand) and former Australia opener and match referee David Boon, agreed that host nations should prepare quality pitches. "Acknowledging that the preparation of Test pitches that could provide a risk to the competitiveness of the ICC World Test Championship, the Committee urged Members to continue to focus on the delivery of pitches that provide a better balance between bat and ball in line with ICC regulations."
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