Just say no
India refuses to make up for lost time in New Zealand test
Posted: Friday December 18, 1998 03:07 PM
DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AP) -- India defended its decision not to
use floodlights and make up for lost time as the first day of the
first cricket test was abandoned without a ball being bowled
Friday.
The two umpires, Steve Dunne and West Indian Eddie Nicholls,
called off the day's play midway through the scheduled second
session after the pitch remained covered all day.
The Indians also turned down a New Zealand request to reschedule
the test in the event of washout on the first day.
The Carisbrook lights will not be turned on nor will an hour be
added to the subsequent days because under the laws of test cricket
both nations must agree to the use of lights before the series.
The rule is in a two-year experimental stage.
Indian coach and former test cricketer Aunshuman Gaekwad said
because ground lights are a relatively new addition to the Indian
scene the tourists have not played much under those conditions,
particularly against the red ball.
"The red ball gets dirty much faster and it is not practical,"
Gaekwad said. "We are happy playing under natural light than
artificial light. It is alright if it was a white ball."
Australia was the first country to use lights against New
Zealand in Perth in 1997.
Subsequently it was used between Australia and South Africa in
Sydney and later in the series between South Africa and Pakistan in
South Africa earlier this year.
New Zealand players have not had much practice with a red ball
under lights either but they wanted it.
"It is not practical continuing with a game for the sake of it.
It won't be like a real game if the players are not happy,"
Gaekwad added.
"If it becomes an ICC (International Cricket Council) rule we
will have to look into it, probably play some of our domestic games
under lights." Gaekwad said adding an hour to a day's play was too much
especially when three tests are played in the space of 19 days.
Match referee Barry Jarmon said it was disappointing that the
Indians have turned down to make up the lost time. "This is the
second time they have done it. I am disappointed with the
reaction," Jarmon, a former Australian test wicketkeeper said.
India refused to play in South Africa early this year under
similar conditions.
"We have a psychological edge over them now," Steve Rixon, the
New Zealand coach said. "They have gone on the defensive."
Indian opener Ajey Jadeja, who sprained his right ankle while
training, has been ruled out of the test. His place will be taken
by Venkat Laxman, who has appeared in 10 tests.
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