#IndiaInAustralia: Experts slam bad light farce at the SCG
The Day four of the ongoing fourth Test match between Australia and India at the SCG, saw just 25.2 overs being bowled. Australia, who resumed the day at 236/6, were bowled out for 300 in reply to India's 622/7 (declared). Virat Kohli asked the hosts to follow-on and Australia were batting at 6/0, before bad light in the stadium ended the day's play.
SCG lights deemed not good enough
Play on Day four was called off because the light wasn't good enough in the stadium. The umpires checked the light meter and decided to call it a day. All these things happened despite the massive light towers at the SCG were in full operation. At this level, such incidents highlight the poor management of stadium infrastructures.
Clarke calls the situation as embarrassing
The incident drew criticisms from all corners. Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke was unhappy with the situation and criticized the management. In the post-match show in Sony Six, Clarke said, "It's a disgrace to our game, this is the last thing Test cricket needs. You spend millions and millions on stadium infrastructure. It's embarrassing."
Sunday crowd at the SCG left disappointed
Legend Sunil Gavaskar joined Clarke and felt that this was not good advertisement for Test cricket. The Sunday crowd at the SCG was left with disappointment. The fans could barely watch a session of play despite no rain post the morning session. Australia's cricket journalist Melinda Ferrel tweeted, "Fans all around the ground waving phones with the lights on." This summed up the scenario.
Test cricket needs more play
This is ridiculous
Bad light continues to blight the game
SCG incident robs Test cricket
With T20s being preferred by fans mostly in modern day cricket, the longest format of the game sees a prolonging battle to keep itself alive. Test cricket has been backed by several stars including Joe Root and Kohli, but that isn't enough for red-ball cricket. Fans want their time well spent. But this incident at the SCG will hamper the morale.