Experts say D/N tests is the future and we have to adapt quickly: Mohammad Shami

Fast bowler Mohammad Shami and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha are among the prominent India players who will get the first taste of Day-Night cricket with the pink ball when local giants Mohun Bagan and Bhowanipore Club meet in a Cricket Association of Bengal’s Super League final on Saturday.

The four-day final will be a historic affair as the pink ball makes its debut in India. The D/N test is slowly spreading its presence in the cricketing world ever since it was first played in Adelaide last year. India also has shown its keenness in playing this format and this 4-day game will provide a glimpse of what can be expected of a pink kookaburra under lights in sub-continental conditions.

If the experiment is successful, Cricket Association of Bengal will stand a good chance of holding first ever Pink Ball Test in India that BCCI is planning to hold. The spotlight will be on India pace spearhead and Mohun Bagan’s Shami.

Mohammad Shami seems is excited about the new challenge and is keen to adapt quickly. He says, “The only change is the colour (of the ball). Obviously, it will be a new challenge but as the experts are saying it’s the future and we have to adapt quickly,”

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“Have to see how the pitch behaves initially. The ball will swing under lights and will make sure it’s not heavily in favour of the batsmen. It will be an even contest between the bat and ball,” he told reporters.

The BCCI technical committee headed by Ganguly has already recommended the zonal Duleep Trophy to be Day/Night this season.

“It will give me some much-needed match practice ahead of the Duleep Trophy. I’m looking forward to it,” Shami added.

Ganguly and his team will pray that the rains don’t pour during the much-awaited club league final.

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Showering praise on Ganguly, Mohun Bagan coach Palash Nandy said, “This match will go into the history book. We could not have asked for more. All this could take place only because of Ganguly and his great ideas. We thank CAB for such a novel initiative.”