I dont really believe in this argument. Arent some countries still doing well in the longer format despite focusing on the shorter formats? I read an article the other day which in my opinion hit the nail on head. If you look at county cricket, trundlers do well and get loads of wickets thanks to helpful pitches. These trundlers wouldnt stand a chance playing at the highest level yet they rule supreme in county cricket. Its all thanks to the kind of pitches which are prepared. If ECB really wants to change the state of things, it needs to start preparing pitches which are better. The batsmen are not really getting the kind of prep they need to prosper at the highest level.
fair shout. Do not actually disagree with you.
What is a 'good pitch'?? how many times do you rock up to a club and if it's a road etc go 'oh what a great pitch'... Is it though?? is a road where a batsmen with limited technique can prosper by simply hitting through the line actually be better than a sporting wicket which offers movement/bounce etc?
Now.. You are 100% right.. to far the other way and you encourage low 80's trundlers to prosper which again, doesn't help anyone.
Of course, a 'good pitch' is one that offers enough to a bowler that if you bowl in the right place, you won't go for runs and you will take wickets.. but is good enough that if you bowl in the wrong place you get smashed.. also a pitch that brings a spinner into the game , gets worse through the game (to make results more likely and make it harder to bat for draws BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE like some India sand pits etc).
Fine fine balance and groundsman will get it wrong from time to time (which is the FUN of the game, aim for the perfect pitch and natural variation will then help add in that element of difference)..
one day pitches are dire.. just flat tracks suitable for hitting only. You don't need technique/mental strength etc to survive and prosper..
scheduling games for April and sept in the main causes issues but then, the ECB is all about money so wants it's short formats in the prime months.
Ok, so some counties are 'doing well'.. but what's the quality of those teams like? What quality are they playing against? if the quality is generally worse then even if you 'win'.. you're winning far easier etc etc..
Streaming and viewing figures for test matches outstrip limited over games so the demand is there.. the problem is that people generally don't and can't afford to go to test after test for 5 days at loads of cost... but can afford a one off beer match at a ODI/2020...so do.. then people claim it's because they like it more rather than just it's more suited to people's lifestyle and finances.
How many can afford 5 days at lords compared to a ODI ticket at Lords say?? 99% of us could happily afford the one day out on the lash... very few could genuinely afford 5 days, in London.. on the lash
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Topic: England v India series (Read 83912 times)