LONDON (Reuters)
Test cricket can be played under lights in future if conditions become too gloomy. That was one of the most significant changes approved in May by the International Cricket Council's (ICC) committee dealing with playing and which come into effect on Saturday, September 1.

Floodlights, where available, can be used "to allow play to continue in conditions when natural light would prevent it". The decision to use lights will be at the discretion of the umpires.

Another important change gives umpires the power to impose a five-run penalty and a fine for breaches of discipline such as sledging, time wasting and changing the condition of the ball in Tests.

Previously, umpires had to refer to the match referee for any decision on fining a player. This amendment will be for a trial period of 12 months.

Other significant changes starting on Saturday:

*In order to make up lost playing and spectating time after stoppages, a new provision allows time to be added to the scheduled playing hours for the next and subsequent day(s).

This is limited to an additional hour per day and, where conditions allow, the first 30 minutes will be added prior to the scheduled start of the first session, and the remainder added to the last session.

*The introduction of a no-ball penalty for short-pitched deliveries that prevent the striker from being able to hit them with the bat by means of a normal cricket stroke. The existing two-bouncer-per-over rule is maintained.

*Judging of leg-side wides, including deliveries going down the leg side when bowled into the rough outside leg stump. ICC wishes to encourage attacking bowling, particularly by spinners seeking to exploit the rough, but equally believes that umpires should be able to use judgement in calling wides, when appropriate.

New playing conditions for one-day internationals include the bowling of one bouncer per over and bonus points for tournaments and series involving three or more teams.

Winning teams will be awarded four points, with a tie or no-result counting for two points.

The first Tests played under the new conditions will be the current Asian championship fixtures and Zimbabwe's two-Test series at home to South Africa next month.

The new conditions were approved at a meeting in May of the committee dealing with playing.

It included chairman Sunil Gavaskar of India, Australia's Allan Border, Pakistan's Zaheer Abbas, Sidath Wettimuny of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwean Andy Pycroft.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd