The ongoing Kanpur Test debacle between India and Bangladesh has reignited discussions about India potentially restricting Test cricket to just 5-6 specialized venues, similar to arrangements in Australia and England. The Test, which is part of a series, has experienced significant disruptions with only 35 overs played across three days. The first day’s play managed to squeeze in these overs before issues arose. Overnight rains on Friday, coupled with additional downpours on Saturday morning, shattered any prospect of continued play on the second day. Even with sunny weather gracing the afternoon of the third day, play was halted, raising serious concerns over the conditions.
Efforts by the ground staff to mitigate the situation included the use of super soppers, dryers, and even cement to address the wet patches on the outfield. However, these attempts were in vain, indicating that the Kanpur Test is veering towards a monotonous and frustrating draw. Although the weather forecast for the upcoming days appears more promising, expecting a result from this Test would now require a near miracle. This situation has prompted a surge in discussions revisiting Virat Kohli’s 2019 proposition for a limited number of Test centres in India—a model brought up after dismal crowd turnouts during a series against South Africa.
“We’ve been discussing this for a long time now. And in my opinion, we should have five Test centres, period,” Kohli had stated in 2019. He elaborated that while rotation and allocation of matches for other formats like T20 and One-day Cricket were acceptable, Test Cricket warranted fixed venues. According to Kohli, teams arriving for Tests should be aware of the specific pitches and the enthusiastic crowds they would encounter at these venues. This predictability, he argued, inherently raises the challenge when teams prepare to tour abroad, and becomes a vital element in keeping Test cricket alive and exciting. He firmly supported the idea of having no more than five strong Test centres in India.
The concept contrasts starkly with current practices where Tests are dispersed sporadically across various venues, often leading to inconsistent spectator turnouts.
. Kohli emphasized that such unpredictability could be detrimental to the sport. Citing examples from Australia and England, he pointed out how having dedicated Test venues like MCG, SCG, Bellerive Oval in Hobart, Perth Stadium, Adelaide Oval, and Gabba in Australia, and Lord’s, the Oval, Edgbaston, Headingley, Old Trafford, and Trent Bridge in England, helped in maintaining clear expectations and robust attendance for Test matches.
India’s upcoming Test schedule against New Zealand includes venues like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune. While Mumbai and Bengaluru are established cricketing hubs known for their passionate fan base, the reception in Pune remains uncertain. The success of the matches in Pune will undoubtedly influence BCCI’s considerations on consolidating Test venues.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to adopt Kohli’s suggestion officially, and it appears to be a challenging step at the moment. However, should other venues continue to suffer from low attendance, this conversation is likely to resurface. The decision to streamline venues could foster a more consistent and engaging Test cricket experience in India, mirroring successful strategies employed by top cricketing nations.
Among other cricketing updates, significant developments have been observed internationally as well. Tim Southee of New Zealand recently surpassed Brian Lara, establishing a formidable record in Test cricket. Meanwhile, England’s fifth ODI against Australia saw Australia making strategic moves to manage England’s innings. Elsewhere, Mohammad Yousuf announced stepping down as Pakistan’s cricket selector, citing personal reasons.
In the grand scheme of world cricket, the model of limited, dedicated Test venues continues to look appealing. India might soon find itself revisiting and perhaps implementing these structures to ensure Test cricket continues to thrive, both in terms of competitive spirit and spectator enthusiasm. The lessons from the Kanpur debacle might just pave the way for this monumental shift in Indian cricket’s approach to its longest format.
