Why Rahul Dravid feels Day-Night Tests are not enough?
What's the story
India are all set to make history by playing their first-ever Day-Night Test. As the hype surrounding the Test continues to grow, critics have backed it as a new way to revive Test cricket, whose viewership has dwindled in the past years. Meanwhile, former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid feels that it is still not enough for the format. Here's more on what he feels.
Quote
It is not the only solution to rejuvenate Tests: Dravid
"It is not the only solution to rejuvenate Test cricket, but it is one of the things we need to do. If only we are able to control dew, the pink ball Test can become an annual feature in India," Dravid quoted to Economic Times.
Tough for bowlers
Day-Night Tests become tough for the bowlers, feels Dravid
Dravid also reasoned with the fact that the dew factor during the Day-Night Tests makes it difficult for the bowlers, which takes the swing away from the seamers, as the same plays an important role in regular Tests. Meanwhile, he feels that the pink ball is a novelty to help attract viewers to the ground. "Basic things need to be looked into," he added.
Lazy technology
Technology has made viewers lazy as they hardly travel
Dravid also opined that the introduction of technologies has somewhat made the viewers lazy of traveling to the ground, unlike old times. "At that time, there was no HD television that could guarantee you a better experience at home, there was no cricket on mobile and if you wanted to catch the action, you had to make it to the ground," he continued.
Test calendar
Dravid feels India should have a Test calendar
Dravid further argued that the lack of a Test calendar, unlike England and Australia, is another reason why Indians don't get attracted to Tests anymore. "People can plan for a Boxing Day Test in December and a Lord's Test in July a year ahead. We need this to happen in Indian cricket. Also, we need better facilities at stadiums for fan engagement," he concluded.
Day-Night Tests
Some facts about Day-Night Tests
Following are some facts related to Day-Night Tests: The play begins between 1-2 PM, unlike 9.30 AM in regular Tests. It is played with a pink ball, unlike the red ball in regular Tests. Pink balls are heavily colored and dyed, unlike red. Dew factor plays a huge role as batting becomes easier. Thus, grasses are trimmed to thin and low at these venues.
Day-Night Tests
11 Day-Night Tests have been played so far
As far as Day-Night Tests are concerned, the format was introduced in November 2015. The first D/N Test was played between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide. Since then, a total of 11 Tests have been played, with Australia playing five of them. Besides India and Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Ireland are the only nations that are yet to play it.