THE International Cricket Council have confirmed a series of amendments to playing conditions for Tests and one-day internationals that will take effect from today.

The practice of players leaving the field for "comfort breaks" to be replaced by substitute fielders will stop, with clause two of the game's playing conditions explicitly stating such reasons do not represent "wholly acceptable" justification.

Additionally, all catches can now be referred to the third umpire when the on-field officials are unsure as to the validity of an appeal.

Meanwhile, one-day captains have been handed another tactical decision to make, with one of the two extra power-plays – periods of five overs when fielding restrictions are applied – to be picked by the batting side. Previously there was a ten-over enforced power-play, with the fielding captain choosing the timing of the next two.

Another change that was brought about at the ICC meeting involved handing the umpires the chance to reduce the interval between innings when the game has been delayed or interrupted. It was introduced with immediate effect in June.