England produced a strong response in Cardiff to level the three-match ODI series 1-1 and all attention now turns to the third and final ODI at the world famous Lord`s Cricket Ground in London. While the hype surrounding the series finale is huge, another question has intrigued the cricket fans. Why is the third ODI starting at 3:30 PM IST, while the second ODI started at 5:30 PM IST? The difference is not about a change of time zones but about the nature of the fixture, venue scheduling and broadcast plans.
Why Does the IND vs ENG 3rd ODI Start at 3:30 PM IST Instead of 5:30 PM IST?
The main reason being that the 3rd ODI at Lord’s is a traditional day match unlike the 2nd ODI in Cardiff which was planned to be a Day-Night (D/N) fixture.
The Lord’s encounter begins at 11:00 AM local time which is 3:30 PM IST. Playing earlier allows the whole game to be played in natural daylight, providing both teams with more consistent playing conditions without heavy reliance on floodlights.
The scheduling is also good for a Sunday fixture, giving London-based fans the opportunity to enjoy a full day of cricket and get home at a reasonable hour. As the game is on a weekend, there is no need to delay the start for the convenience of office-goers or schoolchildren, as with the midweek game in Cardiff.
For Indian audiences, a 3:30 PM IST start is also ideal, with the decisive second innings taking place during prime evening television hours, ensuring maximum viewership.
Why Was the 2nd ODI Played at 5:30 PM IST?
The second ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff was a Day-Night match and was purposefully scheduled, starting at 1:00 PM local time (5:30 PM IST).
The fixture was on a Thursday and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decided to begin the game in the later afternoon so local fans could attend after work or school. The delayed start meant a floodlit finish, which brought a different tactical dimension to the contest as the conditions altered during the evening.
Conditions for batting and bowling are different under lights and things like temperature, visibility and ball movement come into play more in the second innings.
India vs England ODI Series Schedule
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1st ODI: July 14 – Edgbaston, Birmingham – 3:30 PM IST (Day Match) – India won by six wickets
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2nd ODI: July 16 – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff – 5:30 PM IST (Day-Night Match) – England won to level the series
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3rd ODI: July 19 – Lord’s, London – 3:30 PM IST (Day Match)
Ultimately, the third ODI is back to starting at 3.30 PM IST because it is a traditional daytime match on a weekend at Lord’s. The second ODI will begin at 5.30 PM IST which is a good time for a weekday Day-Night match in terms of local audiences, playing conditions and global TV audiences.
