Ian Botham Criticises ECB’s Day-Night Test initiative, Says It’s ‘Ridiculous’
Apr 6, 2019 at 2:14 PM
There are a tumult of emotions in Test cricket. For this reason, acceptance of day-night Test belongs to a certain level. ICC got mix response on Pink ball Test cricket. Few former players have accepted the new concept. But, Ian Botham, former England cricketer has hit out at the “appalling” prospect of a first day/night Test in England. He said it “ridiculous” plan which will cricket’s flagship format.
The England and Wales Cricket Board decided to host their first day/night Test , where England will face the West Indies at the Birmingham venue in August next year.
England will become the third nation to host a five-day Test under floodlights, following Australia’s clash against New Zealand in Adelaide last year and Pakistan’s recent encounter with the West Indies in the United Arab Emirates.
“It’s ridiculous. I think it’s appalling,” England great Botham told .
“Test cricket is the flagship. You cannot play day-night Test cricket in England because of the difference between bowling in the day time, and bowling in the evening, it’s unfair,” he added.
ECB officials hope that a later start will encourage those who are at work during the day to attend. But Test matches in England are generally well-supported in comparison to many other countries and there are concerns the English climate may not be conducive to spectators sitting out to watch late in the day.
“I am amazed we are going ahead with it. We do well with crowds in Tests in England. The first three days are certainly usually sold out. They are going to do it, so we will all sit back and watch,” said Botham, a former England captain.
Botham declared himself a strong supporter of the Decision Review System.
He feels that umpiring on those pitches where the ball spun sharply right from the start is no easy task. “It (DRS) is not going to go away. It’s very difficult for umpires on those surfaces. There’s been a lot turned over, but it’s very difficult when you start on turning wickets and there’s uneven bounce,” Botham said.