Two-Test series fails to satisfy genuine cricket lovers

Lynn McConnell

December 19, 2002

New Zealand's miserable summer to date has highlighted the inadequacies of two-match Test series.

With the scheduled first day of the second National Bank Test between New Zealand and India abandoned today following rain over the 36 hours before the match, and a thunderstorm at 2.45pm which ensured there would be no play, there now remain four, albeit extended, days for India to get back into the series.

Play is scheduled to start at 10.30am tomorrow with 105 overs to be played, but even that seems unlikely given the sodden state of the outfield today.

No matter what happens there will be genuine frustration among New Zealand cricket lovers that they have not really been able to enjoy the sight of India's vaunted batting line-up performing to their maximum in the series.

The fact the first Test ended within three days was bad enough, but should India win the second Test, the series will be left at 1-1 with no firm conclusions to be reached about which was the better side.

That is unsatisfactory and while there are extenuating circumstances with the need to have more one-day games before the World Cup, it is to be hoped that New Zealand Cricket can arrange to have three-Test series played in the early part of their summer programme in future.

Indian coach John Wright said it was a pity that the series was not a little longer, not only because it would allow his side a greater chance to come back into the series, but it would also allow more development of his side, especially the fast-medium attack.

Wright also felt there were other benefits from longer series.

"They tend to get more interesting as they go on.

"Players get to know each other, and a longer series gives you a chance to come back," he said.

But Wright also acknowledged that it was a matter of what was viable on any country's timetable. He was also mindful that the World Cup preparation had to be taken into account this year.

His New Zealand counterpart Denis Aberhart said a three-Test series was probably best in an ideal world. But the programme was crowded with the extra one-dayers needed before the World Cup.

Aberhart didn't think a two-Test series favoured the home side, because New Zealand had gone to the West Indies earlier this year and won their first Test and series in their two Tests.

© Cricinfo

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