By Graham Otway

Umpire check: Delays in play are all too regular

THE decision to let the umpires use flexible morning start times if required for the third Test between England and Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl was an innovative response to the rain and bad light, at the same venue, which had blighted the second Test the previous week.
For many years extra play in Tests has been available at the end of the day in England to make up for lost time with the bails sometimes not being removed until 7.30pm. However, starting earlier had always been avoided to avoid upsetting spec...