Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has questioned the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s decision not to host a pink-ball Test in the two-match series against the West Indies. Chorpa reckons the home series against the Windies could have been competitive if it had been played with the pink ball.
The renowned commentator noted that India plays a pink-ball Test against Australia but hardly plays the same in the home conditions. India registered a thumping innings and 140-run win against the visitors to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, and the tourists were unable to challenge the hosts.
“Why don’t we play pink-ball Test matches? When we go to play the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, we play a pink-ball Test match. We play in Adelaide and lose there. We play because Australia get a lot of revenue from that. However, we play one Test in two or three years. Why do we play?” Chopra said.
“Either don’t play there, or if you are playing there, play here too. Both Test matches should have been played with the pink ball because there is no excitement, competition, contest, and skill level. At least the opposing team might become slightly competitive. Our players might be challenged a little more,” he added.
On the other hand, Chopra wants a two-tier system in the Test format as the West Indies are not at the same standard as India.
“Make it two-tier – that has become my pet peeve now. If before the match started, you say it would be over in two-and-a-half days, that the West Indies aren’t capable of more than that, and if it happens like that on a good surface, where you get out for 162 once and 146 the second time, where the Indian team lost only five wickets and the opposing team lost 20, how can you say there should be a contest?” he said.
Chopra said there is no excitement as the contest has been one-sided in favour of the Indian team.
“Test cricket is our most unique format, which is played over five days, where the WTC has come and everything has been done, but can I complain if you are not watching it? It’s not your mistake. Don’t watch, it’s okay, because nothing worth watching is happening,” Chopra observed.
India will take on the West Indies in the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, from October 10 onwards.
