Test pitches should test players’ skill and not luck: Pujara
The art of Test cricket is one that requires skill, patience, and strategy. It is a format that separates the good players from the great ones, and the pitches on which these matches are played play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Recently, the Eden Gardens pitch, used for the first Test between hosts India and South Africa, has come under the scanner. The pitch, which was deemed to be uneven and unpredictable, has sparked a debate about the role of pitches in Test cricket. Commenting on it, former India number three, Cheteshwar Pujara, said, “You need to play on a pitch where your skill should come out. Back your skills rather than just relying on the pitch.”
Pujara’s statement highlights the importance of pitches that test a player’s skill rather than their luck. In Test cricket, a player’s ability to adapt to different conditions and play to their strengths is crucial. A pitch that is too heavily biased towards the bowlers or the batsmen can make the game one-dimensional and take away from the skill and strategy involved. A good Test pitch should be one that offers something for everyone – a bit of bounce and movement for the bowlers, and a true surface for the batsmen to play their shots.
The Eden Gardens pitch, however, was not one that fit this description. The pitch was uneven and unpredictable, with some balls keeping low and others bouncing awkwardly. This made it difficult for the batsmen to play their shots, and the bowlers were able to exploit the conditions to pick up wickets. While the pitch may have been challenging for the batsmen, it was not one that required skill and strategy to navigate. Instead, it was a pitch that relied heavily on luck, with batsmen often getting out to unplayable deliveries or being beaten by balls that did not behave as expected.
Pujara’s comments on the pitch are not surprising, given his experience playing on a variety of surfaces throughout his career. As a batsman who has played in different conditions around the world, he knows the importance of adapting to the pitch and playing to his strengths. He has always been a player who has relied on his skill and technique to succeed, rather than relying on the pitch to do the work for him. His statement is a reflection of his frustration with pitches that do not allow players to showcase their skills.
The issue of pitches that are too heavily biased towards one aspect of the game is not a new one. In recent years, there have been several instances of pitches that have been deemed to be unsuitable for Test cricket. The pitch used for the Test between India and Australia in Pune in 2017, for example, was widely criticized for being too heavily biased towards the spinners. The pitch was turning sharply from the first day, making it difficult for the batsmen to play their shots. The match ended in just three days, with India winning by a massive margin.
Similarly, the pitch used for the Test between England and India at Trent Bridge in 2018 was deemed to be too flat and batsman-friendly. The pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers, making it difficult for them to pick up wickets. The match ended in a draw, with both teams scoring heavily.
These instances highlight the importance of having pitches that offer a fair balance between the bat and the ball. A good Test pitch should be one that requires skill and strategy to navigate, rather than relying on luck or the conditions. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has guidelines in place for the preparation of Test pitches, but these guidelines are often not followed.
The ICC guidelines state that a Test pitch should have a good balance between the bat and the ball, with a bit of bounce and movement for the bowlers and a true surface for the batsmen to play their shots. The guidelines also state that the pitch should not be too heavily biased towards one aspect of the game, and that it should be prepared in a way that allows for a fair contest between the bat and the ball.
However, these guidelines are often not followed, and pitches that are too heavily biased towards one aspect of the game are often prepared. This can make the game one-dimensional and take away from the skill and strategy involved. It can also lead to matches that are not competitive, with one team dominating the other.
In conclusion, Pujara’s statement highlights the importance of having pitches that test a player’s skill rather than their luck. A good Test pitch should be one that offers a fair balance between the bat and the ball, with a bit of bounce and movement for the bowlers and a true surface for the batsmen to play their shots. The ICC guidelines for the preparation of Test pitches should be followed, and pitches that are too heavily biased towards one aspect of the game should be avoided. By having pitches that require skill and strategy to navigate, we can ensure that the game of Test cricket remains competitive and exciting, and that players are able to showcase their skills to the fullest.
About the Author
