NORTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC)

The highly contentious umpire decision review system has been shelved for the third Test between West Indies and England, starting on Sunday at the Antigua Recreation Ground.

The International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport's world governing body, which was piloting the system during the series, disclosed that given the short period of time between Friday's abandoned second Test and Sunday, they were forced to make this decision.

integrity

"This is because the host broadcaster already has a great deal of work to do to de-rig its equipment at one venue and rig at another. And asking it at the same time to ensure the system is ready to go would risk the integrity of the trial," an ICC news release said. "The trial will resume with the Test match in Barbados, which will start on February 26."

The ICC also confirmed that in keeping with the precedent of the abandoned Test match at Sabina Park in Jamaica 10 years ago, the match beginning on Sunday will become the third Test of what will now be a five-Test series with the records for the second Test remaining.

The world body also revealed that the Vivain Richards Cricket Ground would now be subject to the start of the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.