Brian Lara disagrees with South Africa’s batting approach in 4th Test

Legendary batsman Brian Lara has criticized the batting approach of the South African batsmen in the ongoing Test match against India. Brian Lara took to Twitter to criticize the visitors’ approach to saving the Test match. The Proteas have been determined to keep blocking most of the balls bowled at them. To everyone’s surprise, even some bad balls were not scored off. It is a rarity to see this sort of an approach in modern-day Test cricket, where teams are more attacking and usually score at above 4 runs an over. However, the South African strategy was backed by many, who felt that this was the purest form of Test cricket.

Brian Lara felt that the slow approach in saving the Test match will not help in cricket’s aim to attract more fans to the stadium even if day-night Tests were introduced. Criticizing South Africa’s approach he twitted, “I have an issue with this part of test cricket #IndvsSA playing at night or not if this is the approach to save a match why would I attend.”

He went on to suggest that the rules of Test cricket should be changed where getting a result in a game should become mandatory and a draw should not be an option. A fan questioned him asking, “What would be an alternative approach, Brian? Trying to score at 4 an over and get all out in 40 overs like West Indies?”

In reply, Brian Lara said, “No! Change the rules where all games have a result and this is not an option. I would applaud if they save it #knowthat.” The legendary cricketer also clarified that his comments are coming off as a spectator and not from a “player’s perspective.”

Brian Lara even compared the current South African team to 2003 West Indies side that had hosted Steve Waugh’s Australians for a 4-match Test series. Lara said, “I look back now with astonishment a young West Indies team battered and bruised chased down 418 to beat the mighty Australians. #proud.”

I have an issue with this part of test cricket #IndvsSA playing at night or not if this is the approach to save a match why would I attend.

— Brian Lara (@BrianLara) December 7, 2015

And don't get me wrong my opinion is from a spectator point of view not from a player perspective. #goodluckSA

— Brian Lara (@BrianLara) December 7, 2015

I look back now with astonishment a young West Indies team battered and bruised chased down 418 to beat the mighty Australians. #proud

— Brian Lara (@BrianLara) December 7, 2015

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