This being the maiden day/night Test for both countries, neither Bangladesh nor India cricketers are sure of what to expect in the first-ever pink-ball Test on Indian soil, at Eden Gardens from November 22. Among the handful of Indian players in the current Test team to have played pink ball cricket are Wriddhiman Saha and Mohammad Shami.
Both were part of the Mohun Bagan team which routed Bhawanipore Club in the CAB Super League final at Eden in 2016 – the first four-day match to be played with pink balls in India. Recalling that game, Saha said the ball swung quite a bit. “That match, however, was played with the Kookaburra ball. This time it will be SG. So it can be different,” Saha told ToI on Wednesday.
The wicketkeeper-batsman feels the Indian pacers will call the shots in the second Test. “We expect the ball to swing more under lights and given the form our pacers are in, they will enjoy the conditions,” he said.
Saha remembered once the pink ball got old, it was sometimes difficult to pick it. “Yes, sighting was a bit of a problem once the ball got old and dirty. Especially during the twilight period, it can be challenging,” he remarked.
The 2016 match was played in June, so this time Saha felt they have to take into consideration the dew factor too. “Dew is expected in November. it is a major factor and it should also be taken into consideration,” he added.
Saha will be attending a camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru from Thursday. “We are delighted but I haven’t got to associate with my India teammates about the day-night Test. Will get to discuss it in the next few days. We won’t have much preparation time. Hence we need to plan and adjust fast,” he opined.
