BAD LIGHT FOILS ENGLAND CHASE
ABU DHABI: Bad light ended England’s dramatic run chase on Saturday as the first Test against Pakistan ended in a draw. England needed 99 in a possible 19 overs to win after a brilliant spell by leg-spinner Adil Rashid, who picked up 5-64 as Pakistan was bowled out for 173 in its second innings. When umpires called off play, England were 74-4 in
Most right-minded fans want a two-pronged contest — the one between bat and ball and the other between two engaged teams, with their favoured side winning in a close finish.
Even a contest at the other end of the scale like that between India and Australia at the Wankhede in 2004-05, on a difficult pitch which resulted in two of the four totals accumulating less than a hundred, did have the redeeming feature of providing a result.
Which begs the question; what is the definition of a good pitch?
The practical answer is often supplied by the best curators. 11 overs, needing 25 more runs to win. England had earlier declared their first innings at 598-9 for a 75-run lead.
After four days of cricket dominated by batsmen, the bowlers finally came to the party on the final day as 15 wickets fell.
Brief scores: Pak 523-8 dec & 173 (Misbah 51, A Rashid 5/61); Eng 598-9 dec & 74-4 (J Root 33*). AP
When asked before a game what they’re hoping for, they reply, “I’d like to see a result late on the fifth day.”
Notice they never say which team they want to win. The good curators (or groundsmen) are like players, they have pride in their performance and aim to produce a surface which is fair to the batsmen and bowlers of both teams. That’s why the preparation of a pitch should be solely in the hands of curators or groundsmen, with no input from either players or administrators, both of whom have a vested interest in the state of the surface.
Les Burdette, a long-time curator at the picturesque Adelaide Oval, was one of those who sought a result after tea on the fifth day. He often achieved his aim but even when he fell agonizingly short, it usually provided great excitement.
The match in 2012-13 where Faf du Plessis’ marathon rearguard action saved the match for South Africa, provided as much drama and tension as Australia’s dramatic last-minute Ashes victory at the same ground in 2006-07. The moral of the story — provide good pitches and the best players will usually produce decent entertainment.