Nelson's Column: Lighten up!
If Test cricket wants to survive the challenge of the IPL invasion it can do without days like Friday. The most pure version of the game didn't just shoot itself in the foot, it flinged itself on a high-explosive bomb.
The thousands attending IPL games can be guaranteed entertainment and value for money. Conversely, those who forked out the average ticket price of £60 to watch England and New Zealand players sitting on a balcony in overcast conditions have every right to be furious.
Test cricket prides itself on tradition, but if authorities fail to ditch these absurd rules and regulations even English crowds will begin to stay at home.
It's not the players' fault. They have the option of protecting their averages and subsequently their careers or satisfying paying customers; they can hardly be blamed for walking off. But the telling observation that even Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss didn't think the light was that bad, merely heightens the stupidity of it all.
The decision must be taken out of the players' hands. The ICC should instruct umpires to leave the field of play only if the conditions are dangerous.
Bad light does seem a problem so why do'nt they start at 9:00am when there is enough light. Even with an overcast sky the light is much better in the morning than in the late afternoon / evening
Posted by: nerosgladiators | 24 May 2008 at 10:44
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Posted by: Sumit | 18 May 2008 at 04:17
flood lights anyone???
they're good enough for 1 day internationals, why not good enough for test matches?
problem solved
Posted by: rich | 17 May 2008 at 16:26