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Even if our team wins the match or series, I won't think it will improve even 0.1% the confidence of players.
The 2-3 day tests are shame on test cricket.
We could dismiss it if one or two tests were over so quickly as an exception but whole series is something to worry about. I can't see it helping the fast bowlers in any way. Ashwin is opening the bowling says a lot. With this type of pitch, the best strategy is to play with 8 batsmen and Jadeja, Ashwin and Mishra can also bat reasonably well, so we have 11 batters but still score is 200. Pathetic.
If someone notices, only W. Saha has played in excess of 100 deliveries in a single innings in the whole match.

End of Rant.

So, the first official Day-Night Test is off to a good start.
NZ were bowled out cheaply but the main concerns about the pink ball seem to have been settled. It does not behave too differently under lights and the visibility is good enough.

But, the main thing that would decide the fate of this would be the spectator interest which should be gauged after a couple of years. The attendances and TV ratings would be immensely high for this Test as it is a new concept.:thumbs up

Have everyone been given some kind of script according to which they have to perform? that's how the two completed matches were and this one's looking the same again

The Play I've seen so far...:

Curators prepare a turner
India will win toss and bat
Manage a score of around 200
SA give an Innings lead
India score a little less than 200 in second innings
SA, loose the game
Game to be over in 3 days
take some rest for the remaining 2 days

This isn't like the pitches we have seen in Mohali & Nagpur, its looking so much better to bat on.
Look at the periods when Virat, and then later Rahane, were stroking so freely, I am just wondering what ABD will do if he starts flowing.
India hasn't batted very well and given wickets to effectively three pronged attack, this definitely doesn't look like a 250 wicket we need more.

How much longer do we have to put up with Rohit Sharma is tests?

It was a stupid move to drop Mishra to be honest. We should have dropped Rohit instead, Mishra would have scored more with the bat too.

When Amla and Faf were not looking like getting out in Nagpur, it was Mishra who got both of them. Also he got AB in both innings at Mohali.

I am not having a good feeling about this. Without Mishra here, we are going to struggle.

Given that we are batting like the way we are, I think it was a wise move to play six specialist batsmen instead of five bowlers.

But I agree, talent should have not been that sixth batsman. He is not simply not good enough for tests. Better that we look at blooding someone else at No 6.

Rahane showing why he's the best Indian batsman in the test matches. The reason why I say Rahane is that he's been challenged a lot abroad, scored beautiful hundreds abroad, batted well with the tail etc. He's doing what VVS Laxman and Dhoni did.. He's combined a part of both their abilities. I'm sure he can bat for long periods and he's capable of increasing his striking when the situation demands.

The only reason why Rahane is above Kohli for me is that he's played in tougher situations and shined and more importantly there's no glaring technical weakness. :)

Also, should we look at Dinesh Karthik for keeping duties? Saha doesn't seem so comfortable with the bat. Also, DK is younger.

Also, should Shikar Dhawan be given a longer rope?

I think he needs to pull his socks up quickly. The problem is the no one is threatening to take his place now. I'm sure he's feeling the heat.

No disrespect to Mishra, but aren't Ashwin and Jadeja capable?

Do you think KL Rahul opening and Dhawan dropping to No 6 is a good option? That way Dhawan's technical flaws against the pacers won't be exposed. Since he's naturally aggressive, he can bat well with the tail and give Rahane a solid backup. Dhawan seems strong against spin and it's the pacers who've got him.

I think the reasons behind Dinesh Karthik staying out of the test team are more of personal than the cricket. As long as Murali Vijay is there, I don't think Karthik can or would like to make it into the the team :D

Not quite cricket

Not sure whether a player who's opened all his life can suddenly adjust at number 6.

Also, we need an aggressive opener for matches in India. If in form, Dhawan fits the bill perfectly.

Actually we should look at a young number 6, and nobody better than Dravid to suggest a few names, now that he is coaching the junior teams.

The problem with Dinesh Karthik is he is a very fidgety character when he comes into bat, he tries too many things too quickly ! Not sure how he is performing in the domestic circuit.
Thats a scoop.:D Thanks for the link.

I think Saha is the best bet for the time being. A wicketkeeper in Tests should be safe behind the stumps first and then a lower-order batsman. Saha is the best keeper in India right now, maybe he could be pushed down the order below Jadeja and Ashwin, who are decent batsmen.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-...ry/945899.html

Also, I don't think Dinesh Karthik is good enough at either side of stumps. Maybe a younger option like Sanju Samson could be looked at for the future.

Hopefully, today should be end of the road for talent. At least for a while.

Don't be so sure. Sending him on 3 shows how desperate team management is to keep his career going.

Hmmm... I saw it as - "Here you go, this is your last chance. Justify your talent"

Looks like India is now settled and they'll cruise well. The door may closed on Rohit Sharma now.
This is what I call a good pitch. I can see bowlers footmarks on day 3. Hopefully day 4 and 5(if it goes into day 5:uncontrol) has uneven bounce and inconsistent turn.

I would say that RSA are mentally tired on a long tour. Else their batsmen would have put up a fight.

Pujara doesn't seem to have any technical weakness, but the ball seems to sneak in between the pad and bad more often than he'd like. :eek:

Virat needs to find ways around his technical flaws: playing at the 6th and 7th stump.

Agree on this one. Else, they wouldn't have sent him at No.3.

SD can't make any notable impact when opening aggressively on these kind of pitches. Atleast at No.6, he'll have more license.
Haven't middle order batsmen made great openers? Why can't the reverse happen?
You don't get an aggressive opener like Sehwag everyday. They come very rarely.