Well, the International Cricket Council has deep intentions to have a better cricketing world. One of the steps to achieve that is by having Day Night Test matches. Like I said in my last interaction here, I love the idea. I think it is high time that Test cricket too was customised for its younger audiences. Playing Day Night Test matches was doing just that – serving an old dish but with all new garnishing/packaging to appeal to the youngsters. It is nothing but the need of the hour and I welcome the idea of Australia and South Africa declaring to play a Day Night Test match in Adelaide later this year.
I also welcome the news of Mohammad Amir being granted the visa for UK to participate in Pakistan’s upcoming tour of the country. A lot is being said about the issue but to me the guy has served his punishment and everyone now needs to move ahead. I’d also urge the media to drop the word ‘tainted’ each time they describe the young fast bowler. Whenever he is written or spoke about on mass communication platforms his name is pre-fixed with ‘tainted’. It can be gutting not only for Amir but my heart goes out to his family as they have nothing to do with what happened. So for a young boy and his family’s well-being let us look to move on from here.
I think Amir’s biggest challenge will not be how he bowls at Cook and Co, but how he handles crowds at the stadium and the general bystanders when he is in England. I am expecting a lot of chirping around Amir on this tour. The PCB is putting in its efforts by counselling him, the team-management is there to put a protective layer around him but above all it will be Amir himself who can look after Amir. I hope he can fight it out.
India have won their first one-day game against Zimbabwe. I have been reading reports that it was a dull low-scoring game. May be there is some truth in that but we must show respect and patience towards Zimbabwe. They are trying their best to restore their cricket’s lost glory. Former South African duo of Makhaya Ntini and Lance Klusener are coach and batting coach respectively. Both are proud cricketers who want to win and know how to do it.
I am sure deep down both would have been stung by India sending a side full of youngsters with captain Mahender Singh Dhoni being the only exception. Any proud cricketer would be hurt seeing the opposition considering the contest as an audition platform but that is the way it is. It is now up to Zimbabwe to hit back at India and force them to field their top side the next time. From Indian point of view this tour works really well. After a hectic IPL season it was a perfect time to give a break to the regulars while the promising youngsters chip away with some stellar performances.
These are interesting times in Indian cricket with a few important voices backing Virat Kohli to take over from Mahender Singh Dhoni as captain in shorter formats as well. It is an interesting one and I won’t like to commit my view on the subject just as yet. Let us see what coming months have in store.