India’s first ever Day/Night Test will be a success only if the dew factor is countered effectively at the Eden Gardens, says the iconic Sachin Tendulkar, apprehensive that wet conditions might severely hamper pacers and spinners alike.
Tendulkar welcomed the introduction of Tests under floodlights in India, saying it is a “good move” and 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 said.
“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 about a historic first in Indian cricket.
The dew was a factor at the Eden Gardens during ODI games under floodlights, something Tendulkar is apprehensive about.
“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),” said the highest run-getter in Tests and ODIs. However, he agreed with BCCI president Sourav Ganguly that the experiment is a good idea to bring the crowds back to the stadium.
“There are two ways to look at it. 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. People can come in the evening and enjoy the game.”
“From players’ point of view, it won’t be a bad idea to play with pink ball and check how differently it behaves from the traditional red ball. It’s about getting that pink coloured ball coming to you,” said Tendulkar.
Tendulkar’s homework before facing any particular bowler, be it Shoaib Akhtar or Shane Warne, is a stuff of legends and he offered a tip to the Indian batsmen for their net session.
“The batsmen will need to practice with different balls at the nets. A new pink ball, a 20-over pink ball and a 50-over pink ball and an 80-over ball. See how differently a new, semi-new and old ball behaves. Accordingly prepare your strategy,” he suggested.
With no Duleep Trophy held this year, He urged the Indian team to take feedback from all the players who played the event in last three years. Duleep Trophy matches were held under lights.
“The India boys should also depend on word of mouth feedback from all those who played Duleep Trophy and they would have few things to share.”