India’s first-ever Day-Night Test is all set to take place at the Eden Gardens and it is expected to be successful as well if dew doesn’t create any problem, says the batting legend, Sachin Tendulkar. He welcomed the idea of playing Tests under floodlights in India which will begin from November 22 in Kolkata.
“As long as dew does not become a factor, it is a good move but if dew is going to be a factor then seamers as well as spinners are going to find it challenging,” Tendulkar said. “Because once the ball gets wet, neither seamers can do much nor the spinners. So in that way, bowlers will be put under the test. But if there is no dew, then surely it is a good addition.”
The dew was a factor at the venue during ODI games under floodlights and that can be problematic.
“I think the dew factor will play a big role over here. We need to figure out how much dew is there. The dew will determine, to what extent both teams are competing. The conditions shouldn’t hinder anything (competitiveness),” said Sachin Tendulkar.
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However, he agreed with BCCI president Sourav Ganguly with the experiment.
“There are two ways to look at it. One aspect would be from the public point of view. It is a nice concept as people would be able to watch a Day/Night Test after their working hours. People can come in the evening and enjoy the game. From players’ point of view, it won’t be a bad idea to play with pink ball and check how differently it behaves from the traditional red ball. It’s about getting that pink coloured ball coming to you,” said Tendulkar.
Tendulkar also shared his homework before facing any bowler.
“The batsmen will need to practice with different balls at the nets. A new pink ball, a 20-over pink ball and a 50-over pink ball and an 80-over ball. See how differently a new, semi-new and old ball behaves. Accordingly prepare your strategy,” he suggested.
He even shared his views on pink-ball.
“Obviously, it will help the seamers more but if you bring in quality spinner, he will find his way to bowl on that surface as well. For a spinner, it will be important to assess how much bounce is there on the surface and how much the ball is skidding. If there is too much grass, whether the ball is gripping on the surface,” he concluded.
