It is a billion dollar question now whether the day night pink ball test match at alluring Eden Gardens would last beyond three days? Given the reality that both India and Bangladesh would experience their first taste of pink ball and day night test on what is expected to be a green top pace friendly wicket and also in consideration of the huge difference in relative strength it is highly likely that the test may not travel the distance .
On a much friendlier Indore wicket and condition, Bangladesh succumbed to an innings and 130 runs defeat well within three days. But circumstances alter cases. Bangladesh is at least one match added to their repertoire. Players like Mominul, Mushfique and Mahmudullah in particular are not expected making same mistakes over and over again. Bangladesh may not opt for batting on unknown territory if they win the toss. Bangladesh may not appear again with only two pacers on pace friendly condition resting their leading new ball bowlers. Moreover, the gravity of the occasion, exuberance, full to the brim terrace may encourage team tigers committing their best. The historic test may last till four days at least.
Curator has talked with media, some Kolkata based Bangla speaking cricket journalists have also given their opinion. The pink ball needs grass covers on the wicket and the outfield to retain its shine. The originally made duke ball would have at least six coat of paints and no glues, pronounced seam . It is expected to retain shine longer. It is expected to swing more and seam prodigiously. Moreover dusk in Kolkata comes a bit earlier as mother earth swallows the sun a bit quicker in the evening, mild wind from Ganga starts blowing. All these may create additional challenges for batting during twilights. But international cricketers have to adjust quickly. They are all professionals. The flavor and fervor of the historic event for which so many persons have put so much of efforts must not be short lived.
Aminul Islam Bulbul the celebrated cricket icon of Bangladesh and unsung hero of the first ever test match of Bangladesh has already expressed his inability for attending the grand occasion .Al ShahriarRokon another player of the test also can not attend for visa issue . Apart from them all players of Bangladesh and India appearing in the historic first ever test match of India Bangladesh would be among the guests of honor alongside all past living test captains, sporting heroes , political heavyweights . The pink ambience would turn melodious with sweet songs of great artists of international repute. People of world knows why there had a been a tale “ What Bengal Thinks Today Rest of India Thinks Tomorrow “.
Prince of Kolkata one and only ShouravGanguly masterminded the event to inject fresh venom to the dying art of test cricket. He aims to bring spectators back to the original format of cricket. His mission has achieved early success from the euphoria already cricket. Cricket admirers have responded positively. The first four days are already sold out. All roads and routes lead to Eden Gardens now on a one way traffic. “ ChaloEdensChalo”. The entire city of joy is humming and buzzing with music, color and festivity that are seen only during DurgaPuja .
Let us hope cricket would be the center of attraction. Eleven brave tigers would show their mettle, would fight tooth and nail against very formidable team India appearing with all guns blazing. If Shami ,Yadav and Ishant can seam and swing why not Mustafiz cutters grip ? Why not Rahi and Al Amin swing? If Rohit ,Kohli and Agarwall blast with the bat why not Mominul, Mushfique and Mahmudullah do the same ? It would be a fascinating contest a memorable lifetime event we hope. We are sure the test would span to fourth day at least.
BDST: 1145 HRS, NOV 22, 2019
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