Its not that third test between India and England from Feb 24, 2021 ended in two days, there were 20 test matches earlier also ending within two days. And India vs Afghanistan (only one test) from June 14, 2018 at Bengaluru was the only test played in India which ended within two days. It was one-sided match because Afghanistan was seen as Minnows vs powerful India, But It was only for the first time in Motora that test match between two strong rival ended in less than two days.
The motora pitch was seen as rank-turner from the very first day and it did turn that way. On January 19, the images of the pitch that surfaced on the internet left everyone stunned. The dense grass cover on the wicket was expected to be a rank turner and the hosts were seen taking full advantage of the 'home conditions. Perhaps, it was done to ensure India passage into the World Test Championship final.
India's first hand experiment with pink-ball day-night test was not good. The entire Indian team was bundled out for just 36 runs against Australia in the second innings of the match in Adelaide. It will not be easily forgotten by cricket fans for a very long time.
Pink-ball cricket is gradually becoming a norm. Once every series, now teams try to schedule a day-night contest which understandably brings an extra level of excitement because of its unpredictability. But what if the new format is paired with an all-new stadium and a never-used before pitch? The unpredictability factor rises by several folds.That's what happened at Motora.
India won the third test convincingly but good cricket has been defeated. If pitches are to be curated for winning the matches, then why to play test matches. Better we decide by tosses.
Such a cricket will only weaken the game.
(Chander Sharma)
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