IND vs BAN | Crowd brings another element to game, opines Daniel Vettori
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Bangladesh spin coach Daniel Vettori has shared that the D/N Test match could give limited-over feels for the spectators it pulls as they bring in a totally different element to the game. Vettori has also pointed out that grass on the pitch has Bangladeshi pacers excited to exploit the assistance.
With the historic maiden D/N Test between the neighbours just days away, players of the team are excited to experience the thrill of the pink ball encounter. Former New Zealand skipper and current Bangladesh spin coach Daniel Vettori opined that the encounter will just be a glimpse of what will be the evolved state of the longest and forgotten format of the game.
The former Kiwi international is excited to see how the crowd affects the players and the game itself. He went on to comment that the crowd will give the feel of a limited-overs encounter.
"I think the pink ball is a big part of Test cricket. I think you have to appreciate the fact that there's going to be so many people here. You have to acknowledge that. If you can extend the Test match into the night time, it brings more and more people into the game. I think it has a big part of the future but has to be balanced with day games," Vettori told ESPNCricinfo.
"It could almost have a T20 or a one-day atmosphere. Kohli or Rohit going out to bat is going to feel like a T20. I think there's going to be an atmosphere no player has played in Test-match conditions. I think that brings another element to the game."
The pitch for the under lights affair will have at least 6 mm of grass to maintain the quality of the pink cherry and thatâs what will be watering the pacersâ mouth on both the teams. Vettori shared that the Bangladeshi pacers are excited about the fixture as pitches which that much grass are rare in the subcontinent.
"The four fast bowlers are very excited," Vettori said. "It is a nice thing. Bangladeshi fast bowlers don't get to be excited a lot. I think they are coming to grips with a slightly different ball. It is the SG pink ball. I think most guys have limited experience with the Kookaburra one. But I think there's real optimism. There's going to be a big crowd, so for the whole time it is a real joy to play in this first pink-ball Test."
The main concern of the coach, as is that of many cricket pundits, is the visibility factor during the twilight period. The period doesnât last in the eastern part of the country where the sun sets earlier and given the time of the year, it most probably wouldnât affect the proceedings.
"Pink ball plays normal [during the afternoon]," he said. "I think the challenge will be when the Test is under lights. Sunset is quite early here. I think that'll be the time when we see the pink ball come into play. The twilight hour, dusk, is when it seems to do a little bit more, but my experience is only from watching on TV.
"It will be the period of the Test match when tactically teams might do a few different things. The wicket will be pretty good and that last session will be very interesting with the pink ball."
