Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Chandigarh, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland has made two interesting points about India’s refusal to play a day/night Test during their tour of Australia from November to January.
One, he said that India’s reluctance can be explained by Australia’s perfect record in day/night Test matches in their country. “To be frank, I think they want to come out here and beat us,” he said while talking to an Australian radio station. “There’s a sense, or a reality, that Australia has won each of the pink-ball Test matches that have played in Australia and there may be a sense that it gives us a bit of an advantage.”
Two, he said that Australia as the host country should have the right to decide the venue and timing of the matches. “I think personally the home country should have the right to schedule matches as it sees fit and start them at whatever time of day they want,” Sutherland said.
It’s relevant that he said that it was his opinion “personally”, ie not officially. Sutherland also pointed out that the day/night format is one for the future. “The Adelaide Test match in the day-night format has been a huge success. It’s been a great story in terms of attendances, crowds and atmosphere but also television audiences. It’s also the way of the future,” he said. “India may or may not come around to that idea for this tour, but I still believe it’s the way of the future. I think everyone in world cricket knows that.”
‘No D/N Test’
The Indian cricket board’s Committee of Administrators (CoA) chief Vinod Rai responded to Sutherland’s comments by asserting that playing conditions are decided by both boards, not unilaterally.
“I don’t think BCCI’s stand will change. As it has already been decided, day/night pink-ball matches will continue at the first-class level,” Rai said. “Duleep Trophy will be played under lights once again.”
“I don’t see this as a reason for friction (between boards),” he added when asked about the difference of opinion between the two boards on playing a day/night Test. “Playing condition is something that both the boards sit and decide upon. Obviously whatever happens is agreed mutually. But let me make it clear once again, there won’t be any pink ball Test involving India.”
Australia have hosted one day/night in each of their last three home seasons since 2015. Australia have won all three day/night Tests, two of them in Adelaide and the third in Brisbane.
