IND vs BAN | Dew won't be an issue in D/N Test, affirms Eden curator Sujan Mukherjee
While the impact of dew is the major talking point ahead of the India-Bangladesh Kolkata D/N Test, Eden curator Sujan Mukherjee has announced that it won't be a huge issue for them. Mukherjee has also added that the ground staff team will use treatment sprays to tackle the issue of excessive dew.
When the Pink ball was first used in the 2016 Duleep Trophy, it had largely passed the visibility test, thanks to the lush outfield and green seamers used for the play. However, it came with a caveat for pacers reliant on the reverse swing. But the main issue that came up during the first two games was the ball going out of shape and having to be changed frequently, an issue that might come back to haunt the Eden Test.
The added pressure of dew, which is very much prevalent in the Eastern Indian city. However, local curator Sujan Mukherjee is confident that the Test is likely to have an early start which will eliminate the dew factor to a considerable degree.
"Since it's an early start, the day will get over by 8-8.30 p.m. The dew factor comes into play mostly after that as we have seen in white-ball game this time of the year at Eden. Therefore, I don't think dew will be a problem," the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) curator Sujan told IANS on Wednesday.
"We also have arrangements to tackle dew issues like treatment sprays and all that," he said.
The CAB Super League final in 2016 was played under lights between Mohun Bagan and Bhowanipore Club under lights and with the pink ball. Mohammed Shami, representing Mohun Bagan, had snared five wickets in the first innings and finished with a match haul of seven wickets. The game was played largely on a normal Test match wicket, as compared to former BCCI chief curator Daljit Singh's views of leaving more grass so as to not let the pink ball gain dirt.
"That was not the case when we organised the CAB League final here. The ball was okay. Yes, with the pink ball, it swings more. That is there. My preparation is the same like I do for any day game. I will make the pitch as sporting as possible. We have had good pitches at Eden in the past and it would be no different. It doesn't change since it's a Day-Night affair."