Sourav Ganguly vouches for one Day-Night Test per series
What's the story
BCCI president Sourav Ganguly believes holding at least one Day-Night Test in every bilateral series is important in order to shift the attention towards Test cricket. Ganguly, who turned 48 on Wednesday, described how the (2019) pink-ball Test at Eden Gardens attracted spectators in large numbers. He has been vocal about revival of Test cricket ever since he took the charge as BCCI chief.
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Holding one D/N Test per series is important: Ganguly
"I think day-night Test, one match in a series is important because cricket needs everyone back. We played the pink-ball Test in Kolkata and I do not think it was a normal India Bangladesh Test match," said Ganguly.
Sourav Ganguly
India hosted their first D/N Test in 2019
Ever since Ganguly held the chair, he has been vouching for Day-Night Test cricket. Last year, India successfully hosted their first ever pink-ball Test when Bangladesh toured the nation. As expected, the Test held at the Eden Gardens drew huge number of spectators. It was a full house as India managed to defeat Bangladesh inside three days, by an innings and 46 runs.
Innovation
Ganguly not a big fan of four-day Tests
Ganguly said he is not in favor of introducing four-day Tests. "I am not a big fan of four-day Tests because I think a lot of matches would not finish then. You have five days, you approach it differently. I do not think there is any need to tinker with Test cricket. For me, Test cricket is the best and toughest format," he added.
D/N Tests
The advent of Day-Night Tests
With the broadcasters struggling to get viewership in Tests, the Day/Night matches serve as a catalyst. The first-ever Day-Night Test saw Australia taking on New Zealand in Adelaide in November 2015. It turned out be a low-scoring thriller with neither team reaching the 250-mark even once. Interestingly, as many as 14 Day-Night Tests have been played as of now.
Team India
India to play D/N Test in Adelaide this year
Earlier this year, Cricket Australia (CA) announced a full international schedule for the 2020-21 summer. As per the schedule, Australia will face India in a four-match Test series. Notably, the Adelaide Oval will host the second Test, which will be a Day-Night affair. The Gabba, MCG and SCG will play host to the rest three Tests (first, third and fourth respectively).