With the recent announcement that a County Championship D2 game between Kent and Glamorgan will be played under floodlights with the use of a pink ball, for what will be the first time ever on these shores in FCC, it seems that we could be moving closer to Day/Night Test cricket.
Do you believe going forward it could be a great initiative for the game or will it be breaking with tradition and a change for the worse?
A few points to consider...
In 5 years time or so when there is an Ashes series in England could you imagine getting up for the first days play at Lords and having to wait till 2pm? At which time you see Stuart Broad picking the new pink cherry so to speak and a few hours later watch Graeme Swann bowling the last over of play at 8.55 pm. I couldn't. I am a traditionalist and firmly believe the game should be played the way it has been for over 120 years, we have ODI's and T20's for that.
Of course, there are concerns on the pitch as well, we know from ODI cricket that dew can often be a factor and the Toss could become even more crucial than it might be now especially in the Sub-con. I understand that it's still early stages and changes can always be made but there must be concerns over the ball and indeed playing under lights, would it cause problem for outfielders? There have been issues raised over batting during twilight periods and how conditions may be altered. Like I say it is being trialled and therefore any flaws can be ironed out but I remain a sceptic.
However, there are those that say it Day/Night Tests could boost attendances and income. By playing at this time it may be more suitable for people who are working to watch and get kids more involved like T20's have shown. That doesn't wash with me, we may see a surge in interest at first but IMO there is and has been for a while a general decline in interest for Tests. Stadiums will soon revert to being half full in India, Sri Lanka and even Australia unless it's a marquee series. It's simply a changing of the times.
I look forward to the day with keen interest (as I do believe it will happen) to see how it pans out but I will never be a supporter of Day/Night Tests.
Your thoughts?
Are Day/Night Tests the way forward?
posted on 7/9/11
Like I said I believe there is a simple changing of the times and in most Test playing nations full-houses are a rarity.
Day/Night Test cricket wont change that sadly. It's a great idea in some regards and as you say hopefor it's probably trying to attract one-day fans but the game remains principally the same. Will it appeal? I have my doubts.
posted on 7/9/11
I'm all for bringing the start forward to 10.30am.
There has quite often been bright sunshine at 10-10.30 and all we can do is sit and wait.
posted on 7/9/11
The only way to raise interest in Test cricket is to have the top teams play each other more often. There are far too many games that are predictable.
posted on 7/9/11
There is a live game on the 12th on Sky but I don't think its been confirmed yet. I hope sense prevails and they televise the day/night game so we can get an early look at what its like...
posted on 7/9/11
Whilst I believe the top teams playing each other more often (although that disqualifies the Ashes) would raise interest to an extent, I recall watching the 'Test championship of the world' or whatever it was called between SA and India on Sky in January and the stands were barely half full for the majority of days, admittedly there was some rain about but nowadays either a lot of people are losing interest in Tests or prefer to save money and watch it on TV.
Its worth a try I suppose but yet again I have my doubts.
posted on 7/9/11
I think that the ICC should come up with new ways to attract people to Test matches etc, making it more of a "day out" is one idea.
There isn't a better sight thank seeing a packed out test match with the sun beating down
posted on 7/9/11
I'm not sure it will work but I don't think any sport more than cricket is for ever re-inventing itself. Here are some changes in 1st class game and 1 day matches.
Abandoning timeless tests but which maybe bought back.
Changes in the LBW rule.
Changes in limiting fielders on the leg-side because of bodyline/leg theory.
Having tests without rest days.
Changing the No-ball law, where the foot must land.
Changes in how many balls there are in an over.
Abandoning uncovered wickets then bringing then back then abandoning them again.
Introducing 1 day cricket.
Having day/night matches in 1 day cricket.
Biggest change in amount of overs was introducing 20/20.
Various changes in where fielders can be.
Coloured clothing.
Introducing technology into the game for various decisions.
Floodlights in cricket
I give up now but changes to cricket have always been done and are usually looked upon as changing the whole tradition and make-up of the game and even now some people feel it should go back to how it was.
posted on 7/9/11
i damn well hope that it doesn't happen. i consider myself to be a bit of a purist, and i like test cricket just the way it is think you very much!
posted on 7/9/11
Getting time off work to visit your sick grandmother wouldn't be fun any more.
posted on 8/9/11
Don't think there will be a struggle to sell out a test in England for a little while. Would it have any impact on the crowd sizes in the sub-continent? No idea.