Near 40degC but not hot enough

The ICC has denied Australia and New Zealand players an extra drinks break during a scorching opening session in the first test in Perth.

The mercury reached 39 degrees at the ground yesterday and it came as a surprise when the players weren’t offered two drinks breaks during the opening session, instead of the usual one.

Under Cricket Australia’s heat policy, the conditions seen in Perth would normally lead to an extra drinks break being granted, with the break lasting up to four minutes.

But the ICC, which is in charge of the heat policy for the test series, deemed an additional drinks break wasn’t necessary.

The ICC uses a heat stress index that takes into account things like temperature, wind and humidity to determine whether players need an extra drinks break.

With the second break not on offer, players from both sides ran out drinks regularly during mini breaks in play.

The heat is set to continue in Perth, with forecast tops of 41, 40 and 40 forecast for the next three days.

The ICC has the opportunity to add extra drinks breaks when it deems fit.

Before the match started, Australia captain Tim Paine hoped the heat would play in his team’s favour.

‘‘As Joe Burns touched on, we’re all Australians, we’re all used to it, probably barring me and Matthew Wade (because we’re from Tasmania),’’ Paine said.

‘‘It’s just part of the job now. It certainly won’t affect us. We thrive on these conditions. I think it can be a real advantage to us.’’

The temperatures could be closer to 50 degrees near the pitch during the heat of the day.