ECB declines Bangladesh request for reserve day in Chittagong

The ECB has declined a request from the BCB to include a reserve day for the third ODI in Chittagong, a spokesman confirmed to ESPNcricinfo. The offer was made due to the inclement weather conditions which are threatening a washout of the series decider.

On Monday, 30mm of rain was recorded in the port city which is experiencing unseasonal rain. Tuesday also saw plenty of rain, and the drizzle continued in the evening. Both teams were forced indoor for training while the ground was mostly under covers. The forecast for Wednesday isn't encouraging but there is chance of rain abating after 4pm which could offer a shortened game.

The ECB said that they did consider the request but the nature of the tour didn't allow them the last-minute change. The trip has been subject to unprecedented levels of security planning following the July terror attacks - with multiple agencies working together to create a bubble around the teams - while the schedule is also very condensed with England's Test warm-up matches starting on Friday.

"The ECB were asked today whether it would be possible to schedule a rain day - we did consider the request. At this late stage, and on a compact tour, it is sadly not possible," said the ECB spokesman. "The majority of our one-day players return to the UK on Thursday and the Test players are already preparing for upcoming Tests next week. We would clearly love to conclude the series and hope to get the game in tomorrow."

The BCB's cricket operations committee chairman Akram Khan said that they put forward the offer because of the weather. "We asked if they would want to have the reserve day but they said no," said Akram.