Indian Cricketers Support The Names And Numbers Idea In Test Cricket
Aug 22, 2019 at 10:47 AM
Recently, some former reputed cricketers have claimed that they don’t like the new addition in Test cricket – names and numbers on the back of the white shirts. However, the present Indian players have defended this idea.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is trying to make the Test cricket more popular and exciting. The Ashes 2019 is the beginning of the ICC World Test Championship. Many present and former cricketers have supported this new idea in Test cricket.
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Meanwhile, recently, the ICC has also introduced the names and numbers on the back of the Test shirts. This process has also been started from Ashes 2019. Though it is very normal in limited-overs cricket, it is a new experiment in Test cricket.
However, the former Australian cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Brett Lee, and the former Pakistan fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar have opened up their disappointment on the names and numbers in Test cricket. Gilchrist called it rubbish while Lee felt that it was looking ridiculous. Akhtar claimed that it was looking awful.
But, the present Indian cricketers have totally different feelings about this new idea. The Indian national cricket team will begin their journey with this new experience on Thursday (22nd August). In the ongoing Caribbean tour, India will play a two-match Test series against Windies.
Ahead of their first experiences with this new Test kits, the Indian cricketers have supported this idea. Recently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released a video where the Indian cricketers have revealed their satisfying thought about the names and numbers in Test cricket.
Indian cricketers’ reactions about the names and numbers in Test cricket
Indian Test specialist cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara claimed that it easier for the crowd to identify the players when they are on the field. He also added that it gave a good feeling to the player too as he felt it already during the County matches.
Pujara said, “In a way, it’s a good thing because if you look at the ODI and the T20 format, players always have their names on their back. It becomes easier for the crowd to identify the players when they are on the field. Even as a player, you feel good because you always have your Test jersey number, but at the same time, when you have your own number and your own name on your t-shirt, it’s a great feeling and I think it should continue.
“When I played county cricket, it was there, so I knew that if your name is there on your jersey, you feel good about it.”
The Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane said that it was the big step to recognise Test cricket as it added the special feeling to the players.
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also has no problem with this idea if it engages the fans to Test cricket.
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The pacer Jasprit Bumrah also has the same view. He claimed that his family and friends complained to not recognise easily on the field. Bumrah feels that the more colour adds more fun.