Will India play day-night Test against Bangladesh?
What's the story
India are a powerhouse in Test cricket and their current world number one ranking proves it. Meanwhile, as ICC looks to revive the charm and aura of Test cricket, it has introduced day-night Tests to attract more spectators. However, India have ever since been reluctant to play the day-night Tests. Meanwhile, new BCCI president Sourav Ganguly is keen on having the same against Bangladesh.
D/N vs Bangladesh
Ganguly wants India to play day-night Test against Bangladesh
As per reports, Ganguly is keen on India playing their maiden day-night Test against Bangladesh during their upcoming two-Test series, starting November 14. While it would not be much of an effort to convince Bangladesh for the same, the main challenge for the BCCI president would be to convince his Indian management.
Kohli reluctant
Virat Kohli and Co. reluctant to play day-night Tests
While there have been a number of requests for the same for India, Virat Kohli and Co. have been reluctant to play. As Cricket Australia (CA) had made a similar request to play a day-night Test in Adelaide during the India tour last year, BCCI had turned the request down, especially following reluctance from the Indian team management.
Ganguly backs
Ganguly has always backed day-night Tests
Meanwhile, Ganguly has, over the years, expressed his backing for the day-night Tests, as he believes it the way forward for the format. "They [India] are a good side, they will win day-night Test matches also. There is no difference in day-night Test matches and day Tests. It's just a different ball. They are such class players, they can win," he had said.
Pink ball quality
Quality of pink SG balls an issue
As of now, the ICC has approved the pink balls for day-night Tests. While First-Class cricket has been played in India with pink balls, manufactured by SG, there were complaints regarding its quality, during the Duleep Trophy, over the years. The batsmen had also complained that the ball was difficult to be spotted during the twilight hours when the ball generally swings the most.
Pink over orange
ICC approved pink ball over orange for day-night Tests
Prior to ICC approving the pink ball for Tests, the orange ball was also considered for the same. However, most of the cricketing nations chose the color pink for its ability to be spotted better. Nonetheless, the same has not been the case in the sub-continent. So far, only two day-night Tests have been held in the sub-continent, in UAE, involving Pakistan.
Orange ball
Will orange ball solve the issue?
While the visibility of the pink balls is a factor in the sub-continent, the orange ball can probably help the cause. However, it would again require to undergo a proper trail for a few games before being presented to the ICC and to be approved for the same. Also, the visiting teams would need to agree on the same in order for approval.
Author's take
Ganguly could set the ball rolling
Going by the current situation, a pink ball Test looks viable for now. However, if things boil down to the orange ball, it would take a long time, which certainly won't be happening in the tenure of Ganguly. Nonetheless, he would set the ball rolling for day-night Tests in India. However, things look bleak as of now in India, even for pink-ball Tests.