Friday, November 27, 2015

Australia v New Zealand, 3rd Test, Day 1 - Historic moment at Adelaide


First of all, I was privileged to witness the first day of the first ever day-night Test match. Being a fan of traditional cricket, deep down, I was not at all happy about this idea, but in the mean time, I am not someone to get afraid of changes. The concept of day-night Test match is new and it is one cricket’s evolution and not revolution and on a positive note, such changes are expected...yes, expected to add new dimensions to the game and beneficial in increasing more television viewers and spectators at the stadium.  

The center of attraction was the pink ball. There were talks that this ball swings less and might not be helpful for the spinners and above all, there was a big doubt about its durability. But after the first day’s play, the doubt about its durability and swinging abilities might have lessened a bit. In the morning session, it seemed that, the pink ball works well on the seam, but as the floodlights were on and twilight struck in Adelaide, it swung a lot.

So, at the moment, the effect of early morning freshness of the track has been replaced by the twilight effects of the track. Moreover, it did help the spinners as well. I think Lyon will not complain about this neither the batsmen will complain about the problems in viewing the ball, even though, I think, the orange ball would have been better.  But above all, it’s too early to judge this new concept. It’s too early to regard this as an evolution as well.

At Adelaide, it was not a run-fest like Brisbane and Perth. Mitchell Starc was full and pacey while Josh Hazlewood and Peter Siddle were accurate and hungry for wickets as the Kiwis were skittled out for just 202. The Australian batsmen were not comfortable out there. Trent Boult and Tim Southee made the ball talk and swung it at pace to trouble Warner Burns. Both Warner and Burns have been dismissed as an interesting second day awaits for us at Adelaide.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar  

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