Kolkata: The space immediately adjacent to the batsman’s off stump is often described as a corridor of uncertainty. The batsman has to decide in milliseconds whether the ball is coming off or off. Is the Pink Ball adding to this uncertainty? If the words of Indian skipper Virat Kohli are any indication, then so be it.
For the first time in history, when India and Bangladesh start a day-night cricket test on Friday, there will be discussions about the nature of the pink ball. Kohli and Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque have something to say and will have to wait and see. That wait will be over by Friday afternoon. From 1 pm onwards, the pitch at Eden Gardens will get a pink ball kiss.
Will the ball (not Rishabh) work?
In a press conference at the match, Kohli said the balls that seemed to come closer to the body during practice were actually closer to the offstump. This will make the Indian pace trio happy. For those Bangladeshi batsmen who were able to put fear in their minds during the last Test, the pink ball will be an added benefit. It will most likely be experienced at sunset and in floodlit.
Catching and throwing are also challenging, the captain said. CAB in pink ball on the same ground. Mohammed Shami and Wriddhiman Saha have played in the Super League. Shami then took seven wickets in two innings. Pujara, Vihari and Mayank Agarwal have played the pink ball in the Duleep Trophy. But for the most part, day-night testing is not done without adequate competition.
The nature of the pitch
Will keep some grass. This will help the Pacers. The outfield is also full of greenery. This is to keep the pink ball glow as long as possible.
Challenge Fielding-Coli
India skipper Virat Kohli has said that the most challenging part of a Test match using a pink ball would be fielding. He was speaking at a press conference here.
When it came to the practice of catching slips, the ball seemed to be getting thicker. It felt like a synthetic ball or hockey ball when I was young. The ball will make you feel as though it is not overweight. The ball flies faster. “It could be the ball’s brighter,” Kohli said.
Team structure
Spinners are not expected to benefit much as there will be snow in the evening. However, India may retain the winning combination of Ashwin and Jadeja. Mustafizur is likely to be back in the Bangladesh lineup. Mohammed Mithun or Ebadat Hossein will be out. Bangladesh could also play al-Ameen Hossein on the bench.
Tickets sold out
BCCI President Sourav Ganguly wished. He believes that day-night tests are good for bringing back the crowds to Test cricket. People should be able to come after office, school, or college hours. Four days of Pink Test tickets have been sold out. Only four days will tell if the match will last. Eden Gardens and surroundings are filled with pink. Pink cloth wrapped around all the pillars of the gallery. The Big Screen is also in pink.
Play time
From 1 pm to 8 pm
