D/N Test: Managing dew will be key, says Sachin Tendulkar
Former Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar said India's first-ever historic Day-Night Test next month will be a success only if the dew factor is countered effectively at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. India and Bangladesh are set to play their maiden D/N Test from November 22 onwards. Tendulkar seemed apprehensive that wet conditions might severely hamper the bowlers. Here's more.
Tendulkar wary of dew factor in the D/N Test
Tendulkar sounded positive and welcomed the D/N Test under floodlights in India. He said it will pull back crowds for the traditional format. "As long as dew does not become a factor, it is a good move but if dew is going to be a factor then seamers as well as spinners are going to find it challenging," Tendulkar told PTI.
Tendulkar explains what dew can do in a D/N Test
"Because once the ball gets wet, neither seamers can do much nor the spinners. So in that way, bowlers will be put under the test. But if there is no dew, then surely it is a good addition," the maestro said.
'I think the dew factor will play a big role'
Tendulkar said the dew factor will determine to what extent both teams will compete and felt conditions shouldn't hinder the latter. "I think the dew factor will play a big role over here. We need to figure out how much dew is there. The dew will determine, to what extent both teams are competing. The conditions shouldn't hinder anything (competitiveness)," he added.
Tendulkar on the fans and players' point of view
Tendulkar felt the concept of D/N Test is nice. "One aspect would be from the public point of view. It is a nice concept as people would be able to watch a Day/Night Test after their working hours," he said. "From players' point of view, it won't be a bad idea to check how differently the pink ball behaves from the traditional red ball."
Ex-BCCI chief curator makes suggestions for D/N Test at Eden
Meanwhile, former BCCI chief curator Daljit Singh on Wednesday proposed more grass on the pitch and lesser of the same than usual on the outfield for the D/N Test at Eden. "To counter dew, you have to have thin grass cover on the outfield and taller than usual grass on pitch. The heavier the outfield, the more, it will attract dew," the 77-year-old said.
BCCI orders six dozen pink balls for Day-Night Test
The BCCI has asked manufacturer SG to deliver 72 pink balls by next week for India's maiden D/N Test. The pink balls manufactured by SG is yet to be tested in a competitive game. "The BCCI has ordered six dozen pink balls and we will deliver them by middle of next week," SG's sales and marketing director, Paras Anand, told PTI on Wednesday.
