Dead rubber

We continue to get acquainted with the actual terms used in cricket. Dead rubber is a term used across many disciplines. In this case, it is a specific match that does not affect the outcome of the series, although teams receive points for it in one or another standings. It means that athletes may not show the high level of play they are capable of in some cases. Sometimes they save their energy for more status matches.

Dead rubber: the basic meaning

In cricket, the dead rubber can be seen in major tournaments’ group stages and international series. These matches are played in a less tense atmosphere. Sometimes the weaker teams manage to win, smoothing out the overall negative impression of the meeting. The coaches of both teams (especially the one that won the series) can put substitutes for the match to give the nearest reserve a chance to show themselves. This gives the team leaders a break so that they can better prepare for more important matches.

Dead rubber is also found in other game sports: football, rugby, tennis. For example, in Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup matches, teams must play a doubles match regardless of the series score. This requirement is often imposed on tournament organizers by television companies.