In the aftermath of the Lord’s Test where 17 overs went unbowled due to a slow over rate, ESPNcricinfo has seen detailed (and not entirely real) ICC documents which explain why it is not a problem

David Hopps18-Jun-2014ICC Urgent Advisory: ConfidentialOverrates and delivery thereofSecond Test, England v Sri Lanka, Headingley CarnegieWhy the need to rush? Setting fields these days is a lengthy process•Getty ImagesThe ICC has been made aware of unjustified criticisms in the public prints concerning the average rates of over delivery during the first Test match between England and Sri Lanka at Lord’s cricket ground. The ICC wishes to reacquaint stakeholders with policy regarding over rate delivery.On the basis of 90 overs in six hours of playing time, plus an additional half hour when necessary, the media made negative comments about the fact that 17 overs remained unbowled in the first Test match at Lord’s.After due allowances were taken into account, Sri Lanka’s rate was deemed to be acceptable and England were deemed to be one over in arrears.The ICC wishes to confirm that the following dispensations shall continue to apply:
Rest periods are increasingly hard to find in a busy international Calendar. The ICC therefore believes that rest periods between overs, and indeed between balls, can be viewed as a legitimate recuperation opportunity if any player in the match has played more than one game in the previous calendar month.Allowance: 1 over per hour
The DRS was introduced with assurances that the majority of third-umpire decisions would be made within 30 seconds. In the interests of raising the CDP (Correct Decision Percentage) from its excellent current rate of 99.7 per cent* (*ICC’s own study), this permissible suspension of play may on occasions rise slightly to a maximum of 8 minutes.This allowance is particularly important in the case of low catches, where endless replays on maximum zoom can eventually convey the impression that good catches accepted throughout cricketing history are, in fact, highly dubious.Allowance: 2 overs per review, 4 overs in the case of low catches
Studies have shown that touring sides can temporarily forget the layout of an international ground, leading to the danger that bowlers may run in the wrong direction, or batsmen take guard on an adjacent pitch. Appropriate time for concentration is advantageous to encourage an even contest.Allowance: 1 over per hour, 2 overs per hour on first day
The ICC recently commissioned an independent study into the effect of sloping grounds on negatively compromising the advancement of over rates. This study concluded that where players had to proceed on an upperly incline at the end of an over to adopt a new fielding positions they could not fairly be held responsible for the slowing in pace that might occur. Walking downhill was shown to have no positive effect.The ICC is aware of similar research by the MCC cricket committee which concluded that the Lord’s slope had no detrimental effect. The ICC regards this research as fundamentally flawed and notes that MCC has no jurisdiction in this matter.Allowance: 0.1 overs per over
The advent of innovative batsmanship compared to previous, more conservative eras, has resulted in the need for more frequent field changes. Modern managerial practice also advises that these decisions should never be imposed by the captain but always discussed in an enlightened and equable manner with all those affected by the decision.The ICC has instructed captains to discuss options with bowlers in a detailed and non-confrontational manner (see Personal Relationships in Test Match cricket doc1423/2014). A captain might say: “I was disappointed with the fact that last ball went for four. Might it be useful to have another fielder on the leg side? Could we diary a meeting later to discuss this?”Allowance: 3 overs per hour
It is important that all advertising logos are displayed to all TV cameras at all times. This necessarily demands checking of clothing between each delivery. We have received a complaint from Ceylon Tea that their logo appeared on the 4th ball of the 27th over in England’s first innings to read Lon Te, inviting the belief that Sri Lanka were being sponsored by a Chinese market trader.The ICC has apologised to Sri Lanka Cricket, whilst reminding it of the important expansionary efforts taking place in cricket in China. The ICC would like to take this opportunity to congratulate China U-11s in making 12 all out in a 345-run defeat against The Maldives and is pleased to see this obvious improvement.Allowance: 1 over per hour
The ICC encourages the tradition of a slow over rate in the first 45 minutes of the afternoon session, so allowing corporate guests to miss as little of the play as possibleAllowance: 2 overs per day
The ICC has noted that the game has recently entered the 21st century and believes that this trend is likely to continue. This has brought certain behavioural shifts where the fall of a wicket is no longer greeted with a crisp handshake whilst the incoming batsman arrives promptly at the wicket. Indeed, falls of wickets are often greeted with occurrences of pleasure which seem to be the taste of many of the more impressionable, youthful spectators.The ICC has therefore commissioned a further study into what has become popularly known as the Group Hug.Allowance: 1 over per wicket, rising to 2 overs per wicket in 2020, and with a further review planned for 2025.Overrate (Allowances) Sub-Committee
June 2014