Miscellaneous - This Day That Age   

dated August 30, 1956: Vijay Merchant's view

Commenting on the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India to increase the playing time of the preliminary rounds of the Ranji Trophy cricket matches from three to four days, Vijay Merchant, former Indian captain, said it was a matter of doubt whether this would be for the good of the game in this country or lead to more dull cricket. "The advantage of having three days for the preliminary rounds is that the side batting first will have to force the pace and put up a reasonable total within a certain time to allow its bowlers sufficient time to get the other side out. If that is not done, the other side can play for a draw and depend on the spin of the coin for a decision. In the case of four days' time, the side winning the toss will have the satisfaction of knowing that it can bat for two full days before thinking of a declaration. This will naturally tend to make the game more dull and dreary for the spectators. Much will, of course, depend on the outlook of the players themselves. But, I feel that allotting one more day will certainly not brighten up cricket."

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Cartoonscape
The Hindu Crossword 8694
Solution to Puzzle 8693
A devotee's prayer
dated August 30, 1956: Vijay Merchant's view
dated August 30, 1956: National Volunteer Force
dated August 30, 1956: Chinese rice for India
Weather

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu