Tests for Test

Photo: Reverse Sweep

Test cricket has been has always been played during the daytime but the decreasing viewer-ship of the game wake ICC to take some steps in this regard. ICC is now planning to introduce day-night multi day test matches. The game, like ODIs, will start in daylight but will reach to end at night under floodlights. Test cricket is a real test of mental and physical skills of players . Fans of test match cricket will be very cautious of any attempt to change the current format. 

If this strategic experiment works  then the problem of play finishing early due to bad light would not be an issue. This will resolve a very frustrating issue of test matches as play is sometimes called off for bad light when it appears to be fine. The use of floodlights would ensure no playing time would be lost due to issues with poor visibility.

Photo Compose: Saddam Siddiqui

Color of ball is the next matter of concern in this regard. The only other alternative would be to develop a brand new ball that would be visible in both daylight and under artificial light conditions. Red ball will be a matter of concern in night while as white will be rejected as test cricket is played in white kits. Pink Colour ball will be used in Quaid-e-Azam trophy's final says a PCB official. While ICC is still undecided between orange and pink.

Photo: Google Images

Another challenge is the clothing that would be worn by the players during these day-night test matches. If the coloured colour kits will be used then the game will not feel like test match cricket at all. The test match fans would not welcome the sight of multi coloured shirts with player names and squad numbers instead of good old fashioned white. Test cricket must retain its identity and that means playing in traditional cricket whites.

Even fans of test cricket would admit the five day format may benefit from some slight changes but  the average test match just a longer version of one day cricket. ODIs and T20 have their place but so does the longer form of the sport.