In a recent development, Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq has stated that if Tests are reduced to four days, chances of injury to pace bowlers might increase. Misbah has thus joined current and former legends of the game in opposition to ICC’s proposal to tweak the five-day format and reduce it to four-days.
“A fast bowler now routinely has to bowl 17 to 18 overs in an innings but if the duration is four days then his workload will increase to 20 to 25 overs. That puts him at greater injury risk and more importantly bowling more overs means it will take the zip out of his bowling,” Misbah said on a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) podcast as quoted by PTI.
“People want to come and watch bowlers like Mitchell Starc, Naseem Shah, Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah bowl at full speed. If they have to bowl more overs to make up for increased overs it will mean they will lose pace,” he added.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and even Aussie greats like Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh have made it clear that they are against any alteration to the longest format of the game.
“Will we have 90 overs or 110 overs in a day and don’t forget in countries like Pakistan, India or Bangladesh the domestic season is in winter and normally even 90 overs are not possible in a day. So if overs are increased what will happen than?
“There is still a lot more clarity needed on how four-day tests will be managed. But in my personal opinion the duration of Tests should not be tinkered with,” he added.
Misbah also went on record highlighting the beauty of Test cricket.
“This week the England and South Africa Test was decided in final session of fifth day and there were lot of thrills for the spectators and viewers. Test matches are decided normally on fifth days when there is more wear and tear on the pitches”, he concluded.