Bangalore, India’s vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah on Friday said that cricketers have to adjust mentally while playing the pink ball Test but there is no fixed criterion as all the three day-night Tests played so far. The circumstances were different.
India has to play day-night Test against Sri Lanka (India vs Sri Lanka Day-Night Test Match) from Saturday. And against England, Motera’s turning pitch has played with the pink ball.
#TeamIndia vice-captain @jaspritbumrah93 on the mental changes that need to be made for a Pink Ball Test.@paytm #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/PCfrY6sJe7
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 11, 2022
Bumrah said that the team is still in the process of learning about the pink ball test. He said in a virtual press conference before the match, “As professional cricketers, we have to adapt quickly to the situation. The pink ball has come apart while fielding. What you measure, it comes before that.”
He said, “It may not get swing in the afternoon but it will get swing in the evening. These are all small aspects.” Bumrah said, “We have not played much with the pink ball. Whenever I have played, the conditions have been different, so there is no set criterion. “Whatever you have with a little bit of experience and the feedback you’ve got, you can work on things that are within your control,” he said.
He said that during the Mohali Test also the team participated in an optional practice session with the pink ball. Bumrah said, “We are not used to fielding, bowling or batting with the pink ball. We don’t play with pink ball. There are a lot of adjustments to be made while fielding in floodlights. We are still new to this format.’ Asked whether the team would go with three spinners or fast bowlers, Bumrah said the team composition would be decided only after inspecting the pitch for the last time.
“We have seen the pitch but the combination will be decided only after the final inspection,” he said. It is understood that Axar Patel can be fielded in place of Jayant Yadav. Bumrah, however, did not reveal any details about this.
“Akshar was part of the team in the last series as well. He contributed a lot. He contributes with both bat and ball. He was injured but is now fit. The team composition will be discussed. He is a useful player for us.”
Bumrah also said that Kuldeep Yadav has not been dropped from the team but has been rested. “He was in a bubble for a long time and didn’t go home. He was less likely to play in this match so he has been rested so that he can spend time with his family before the IPL. (agency)