It's all about getting that pink ball coming to you, believes Sachin Tendulkar
Getty
Sachin Tendulkar has hailed the idea of Day-Night Test as a great initiative but fears that dew might play spoilsport in the match. India is finally going to play its first D/N Test match at the iconic Eden Gardens as an effort to reinstate the lost position of Test cricket in the country.
The Eden Gardens will witness the first-ever day-night Test in India as BCCI looks to pull the crowd back towards Test matches. Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar hailed it as a great move to catch the attention of the masses but is worried that dew might play spoilsport on the historic moment. India is all set to play the longest format under lights, for the first-ever time against Bangladesh from November 22.
Dew has been a perennial problem in Kolkata when matches have been under lights and the Test match won't be any exception. Tendulkar believes that if the conditions become wet, it will be a real test for bowlers, spinners and pacers alike.
"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," TOI quoted Tendulkar saying so to PTI.
"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. 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),"added the highest run-getter in Tests and ODIs.
Barring the dew factor, Tendulkar agreed with BCCI president Sourav Ganguly that this historic match would be great for crowd pulling and added that it would benefit the players as well.
"There are two ways to look at it. One aspect would be from the public's 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, India’s most decorated batsman, also had a piece of advice for the Indian team ahead of the Test match. He urged them to practice thoroughly with the pink ball and device their strategy accordingly.
"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.
Talking about the amount of grass on the pitch, Tendulkar shared that it won't only be pacers who will be able to use it to their advantage but a good spinner can deal a lot of damage too. The pink balls require at least 8mm long grass on the pitch to retain their colour. Tendulkar also talked about the importance of wicketkeeper, in guiding the bowlers, in these new conditions.
"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."
"The wicketkeeper will play a massive role in providing feedback as to whether the ball is skidding or whether it is not coming onto the bat easily. (Usko bolna padega ki ball thoda ruk ke aa raha hai ki nahi),” Tendulkar added before signing off.
