Tendulkar’s advice on making bilateral series competitive
This home and away contests become more meaningful because everything stays the same. In that way, the series would be interesting
host two Tests at home and then let England host India in the next two.”
The former India skipper said, “Two years ago, India played in England. They lost a couple of players since then. We have also had a couple of changes. This home and away contests become more meaningful because everything stays the same. In that way, the series would be interesting.”
Sachin Tendulkar pointed out that for crowds to have interest in Tests, a fair contest between bat and ball is needed. He added that the pitch needs to be the focus. He also added that playing with two different balls, on two different pitches can also add an interesting dimension to the game, “Playing with two different of balls on different surfaces will level the playing field between bat and ball and make the competition interesting.”
With bilateral series struggling for recognition, Tendulkar’s solution provides an out-of-the-box solution for the ICC. With the England Cricket Board (ECB) having trialled out the points system in a bilateral series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in 2016, Tendulkar’s suggestions, if executed, will go a long way in bringing greater context to bilateral series in the coming years.