Cricket has evolved a lot and that too at a brisk pace, from Test Cricket to T20 and from Red To Pink Cricket Ball. The first few memories I have of watching cricket was probably Kumble’s 10 wicket in an innings against Pakistan in 1999. (Mind you I’m not very good at remembering stats) Didn’t understand Cricket at that time but simply enjoyed watching it. Slowly and steadily as I started playing the game, I got a better idea of the game. Especially during my hostel days when I got a chance to play at taluka and district level matches for Mahabaleshwar taluka and Satara district in Maharashtra. That was the point I probably understood the game better.
Test, One Day International and Twenty Twenty are the different forms of the game. Test being the oldest and the toughest. ODI on the other hand is quick and is done and dusted in a span on 8-10 hours. And T20 merely lasts for 3-4 hours. Sadly the viewership and the interest in the game is inversely proportional to the duration of the format – the shorter the format more number of people join in. ICC has been trying to find out new ways to keep the game alive. Thanks to some new rules with the likes on Batting Powerplays, Free-Hits et al pitching in due to which the game has seen increased viewership. Also, the innovative shots by the batsmen have helped the game.Be it the Dil-Scoop by Dilshan or the Switch Hit by Pietersen, or any shot by AB De Villiers, people have enjoyed every bit of it.
Lately, if you have been following the game you might be aware of the upcoming ‘historic’ Day and Night Test Match between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide, Australia. This will be the first time a test match will be played under lights. Also this will be the first time a Pink Cricket Ball will be used. The Pink Cricket Ball has got mixed reviews – some who are in support while others feel it’s not quite there.
So, what the players think about the
Pink Cricket Ball ?
The Pink Cricket Ball has certainly divided the cricket fraternity. The batsmen feel the ball isn’t easy to pick up specially when it is over pitched. Also one cannot easily judge the spin from the seam, since the white and pink combo won’t be that clear as compared to red ball with white seam.
The bowlers say that the Pink Cricket Ball loses its shine quickly and thus reduces the chances of the deadly reverse swing. So with this it won’t be easy to keep one side shiny and get some good swing. Not just for players, but even for the fans the Pink cricket ball wouldn’t do good. It will be very tough to spot the pink cricket ball from the stands.
I’ve always been a keen follower of the game and strongly feel that Test Cricket is real test for players – thus the name Test. It requires more mental fitness than physical as it requires enhanced concentration. And because of this very reason, test matches are more exciting. The recent test matches between England and Pakistan, the ongoing India and South Africa series along with the Australia vs New Zealand series have upped the ante. The games are more intense and the teams take it to the wire. In my view, Test Cricket still remains the best format. Though its long, but you get to see the best of everything, best bowling, batting, fielding and the tactics – especially those close in fielders for a spinner, you hardly get to see that ODIs or T20. I’m still in doubt how will the pink cricket ball help revive test cricket. Kookaburra feels this is better than the red ball in terms of longevity
So will the Pink Ball bring this ageing format back to life ? Or will it further deteriorate the game ? Only time can tell. Meanwhile you can express your views for the Pink Cricket Ball in the comments below to strike a conversation !