India’s second-highest wicket-taker across all competitions, Ravichandran Ashwin, agreed that a limited number of Test centers would surely be of help to the players. However, he denied endorsing the idea, saying that this does not fit his pay grade.
The debacle of having a limited number of Test centers took spark when the Kanpur Stadium came under the criticism of cricket stars and analysts as well as fans due to their mismanagement and poor drainage system.
Day 2 faced heavy showers, and hence chances of play were ruled out; however, Day 3 also had play abandoned, but this time it was not due to rain but rather due to the wet outfield. This had a cost wastage of two days, which seemed like a heavy blow to either team.
Indian veteran Virat Kohli had, earlier, also expressed his views on India having five major venues as Test centres just like the nations of England or Australia have.
“Because when we go to Australia, they play India only at five Test centers. They don’t play us in Canberra. They don’t play us at any of the other venues where they won’t be very familiar with the conditions. So do England,” replied Ashwin when he was asked about the preference over having fixed Test venues.
“They have select Test centers and that’s where they play. Some of those are only white-ball centers. Can we do it here (in India)? That’s above my pay grade. I cannot comment on that,” the player of the series said.
India, with aggressive intent, secures points that consolidate their top position in the WTC points table
The Kanpur Test did not start well, as the first day had only one season played while all other seasons were ruled out either due to rain or as a result of bad light. The next two days were ruled out completely due to heavy rain.
On the fourth day, India resumed play, and as a result, they had to have their plans changed as Indian bowlers made early strikes. Despite Mominul Haque’s century, Bangladesh was reduced to a low score.
In response to it, the Indian batters had no restrictions on their batting innings, as adding quick runs seemed their only option. They broke records with the bat, as the two Indian openers posted the fastest 50 runs in Test cricket in just 3.1 overs, while 100 runs within just 10.1 overs.
India scored at the fastest rate ever in the longest format of the game as they scored runs at a rate of over 8 runs per over, while they posted 285/9 before declaring their innings. After yet another display of stunning bowling figures from Jasprit Bumrah, Ashwin, and also Jadeja.
India ended their series with a 2-0 advantage, as they now have established themselves further on the top of the WTC points table with great determination.
