India, Oct. 1 -- The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday announced a series of changes to the playing conditions across formats, including time-wasting by batters. The ball specifications have been standardised, and some aspects of fielding have also got a touch-up . The changes will come into effect with series starting October 1 or later, which means the third and final ODI between India and the West Indies will be played as per previous regulations, having started on September 27.

According to the official release issued by the ICC, if a batter is not ready to face the delivery within the prescribed time, then a warning will be issued for the first offence, and a second offence will result in the final warning. Five penalt...