Umpires use light meters to determine play conditions in Tests
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 9:27 AM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026

Umpires in Test cricket rely on light meters and their own assessments to decide whether play can continue. These measurements guide their decisions about unsafe conditions caused by poor natural light, ensuring player safety. The light meter readings do not dictate the rules but serve as a guideline to track visibility changes during play. The determination of bad light is subjective and can vary significantly between different venues and conditions, with thresholds not being universally standardized under ICC regulations. As of now, assessments are ongoing in matches affected by light conditions.
- •Umpires decide on bad light with support from light meters.
- •No fixed global standard exists for light levels.
- •Decisions rely on visibility rather than strict readings.
- •Consultation with the ICC match referee is necessary.
- •Light conditions may vary between stadiums and even ends.
- 9:27 AMYahoo Sports — How is bad light determined in Tests? Explaining the use of lightmeters and rules for ending a day's play
"You must've often wondered how good light is determined in a Test match, so here's how you can know if a game is about to be stopped and how.
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