Day/Night Test Cricket. Hero or zero?

[DJ...]

I hear that this is being proposed as a potential solution to our (relatively) poor crowd numbers. Now let's forget about the merits of that argument as it has been bitched around the forum enough already, and seeing as the proposal is in, we can safely conclude that the cricket bodies believe there is a problem that needs rectifying.

So what are your thoughts on day/night test cricket. It would add a completely different dynamic to test cricket without changing the intricacies of the game, as per some of the other ludicrous proposals. One of the main arguments against it is the dew and swing factor at night, but I'm not convinced that this argument can hold water, as both teams will over the course of the 5 days and nights, experience the same conditions during batting and bowling. There is no unfair advantage, and if there was, it would be reflected more in one-day cricket results - the 5 days (or nights) balances things out more than one-day cricket.

I like the idea! I can barely follow the score while at work, let alone watch much of it. But discussing it during the day amongst mates and colleagues then leaving the office for a fine night of world-class test cricket would be great! It would also solve some of the issues with hosting cricket in remotely removed time-zones such as Australiasia. Advertising revenue would be greatly increased as the games would fill prime-time slots as opposed to day-time (talk-show competing) slots.

What are your thoughts? Good, bad or otherwise? Would you be more likely to attend a night test than taking a day off (or taking clients, tsk) just for the pleasure?

[Rosaudio]

All we need are pink balls imo.

That would make the game so much juicier :)

[DJ...]

Ah yes, the ball issue - well we have balls of all colours and at different stages of play already. All we need is a ball swap for a ball in a similar state but a different colour if the coloured ball issue becomes prohibitive. We can surely keep the balls longer as per one-day cricket?

[Sting]

Sorry, but I'm a traditionalist when it comes to Test cricket.

White kit, red ball. No floodlights.

[Rosaudio]

Ah yes, the ball issue - well we have balls of all colours and at different stages of play already. All we need is a ball swap for a ball in a similar state but a different colour if the coloured ball issue becomes prohibitive. We can surely keep the balls longer as per one-day cricket?

Good idea :)

[DJ...]

Sorry, but I'm a traditionalist when it comes to Test cricket.

White kit, red ball. No floodlights.

For the case of being a purist only, or is there a logical reason for not wanting day/night tests to go ahead?

Wouldn't you be willing to sacrifice the whites and ball colour for the sake of being able to watch aussie vs sa cricket at a less ungodly hour? And being able to leave work and enjoy a few brewskies with the boys while watching SA pummel England in our own back yard, as opposed to watching the highlights reel on Supersport?

And the floodlight issue, well it resolves the "bad light stopped play" BS. Fewer interruptions makes for a better game imo. Like a stadium with a roof - should we outlaw those for test cricket because they interfere with the rain, or bless them for the same reason? Depends on which side of the cookie you're watching it crumble to...

[Sting]

For the case of being a purist only

That.

[LancelotSA]

Give it a go at domestic level first perhaps and see how it affects the actual game. If it has no impact then give it a further go at international level. There is after all nothing to lose.

But... I know a lot of people who go to watch cricket to enjoy the sun and the chicks (obviously along with the cricket), so what will happen on weekends then? This solves the midweek issues but you may lose crowds on weekends when people would rather be going out than watching cricket at night.

Ok, now I am just thinking out loud but in saying that I also know that in Durban a lot of people do not go to the cricket when it is a stunning day as they would rather be on the beach... or it is just too hot to contemplate sitting all day in the sun watching cricket... hmm definitely will need to be tried to see what happens.

[DJ...]

Give it a go at domestic level first perhaps and see how it affects the actual game. If it has no impact then give it a further go at international level. There is after all nothing to lose.

Precisely. There is very little to lose and everything to gain. Could you envisage it affecting the game negatively though?


But... I know a lot of people who go to watch cricket to enjoy the sun and the chicks (obviously along with the cricket), so what will happen on weekends then? This solves the midweek issues but you may lose crowds on weekends when people would rather be going out than watching cricket at night.

I've seen some of the largest crowds at night at one-day games though. Some people see going to the cricket as a precursor to going out, or some as an actual "going out" event too (those sad chaps)...:D


...so what will happen on weekends then?

If it's a 5 day day/nighter, then the weekends will be day/night too. It will free up the weekend days to get things done (banks, shopping - you know, the usual "missus excuses" that we've all had to put off cricket for)...

[DJ...]

That.

Should we revert back to 8-ball overs too?

[Sting]

Should we revert back to 8-ball overs too?

Strangely enough that was also an experiment!


Balls per over
In 1889 the immemorial four ball over was replaced by a five ball over and then this was changed to the current six balls an over in 1900. Subsequently, some countries experimented with eight balls an over. In 1922, the number of balls per over was changed from six to eight in Australia only. In 1924 the eight ball over was extended to New Zealand and in 1937 to South Africa. In England, the eight ball over was adopted experimentally for the 1939 season; the intention was to continue the experiment in 1940, but first-class cricket was suspended for the Second World War and when it resumed, English cricket reverted to the six ball over. The 1947 Laws of Cricket allowed six or eight balls depending on the conditions of play. Since the 1979/80 Australian and New Zealand seasons, the six ball over has been used worldwide and the most recent version of the Laws in 2000 only permits six ball overs.

[DJ...]

Strangely enough that was also an experiment!

So is the review system. I'm all for that too. You?

[LancelotSA]

I've seen some of the largest crowds at night at one-day games though. Some people see going to the cricket as a precursor to going out, or some as an actual "going out" event too (those sad chaps)...:D

Yip, that is true but would you get those crowds for five consecutive days? That is 5 late nights in a row during a work week? Again not saying we won't but just wondering.


If it's a 5 day day/nighter, then the weekends will be day/night too. It will free up the weekend days to get things done (banks, shopping - you know, the usual "missus excuses" that we've all had to put off cricket for)...

Yip, I hear you, but that is us old fuddy duddies ha ha ;) The "youngsters" that the organisers are probably wanting to start attracting have different priorities though. Would be interesting to see the hours being considered too, as yes a few "youngsters" would meet at the cricket, get sozzled and then head off to party.

Like we are agreeing, give it a go and see what happens.


EDIT : And out of interest why is it automatically assumed that sodomy is a bad thing? A bit of sodomy can be good thing! ;)

[sand_man]

Yes. Bring it on. I been saying it for years....

We need to see test matches running their course that being 450 overs over 5 days. A 2pm kick off at least affords one the opportunity to amend the rules to allow play to start as early as is necessary to make up the lost time...

As for the spectators there are simply very few things in life that is as exhilarating as international sport under floodlights whether it be F1, Soccer, Rugby or Cricket.. Oh, and sodomy...

[DJ...]

Yip, that is true but would you get those crowds for five consecutive days? That is 5 late nights in a row during a work week? Again not saying we won't but just wondering.

I'd like to rephrase your question into the context here a little bit - will we see bigger crowds at night or during the day? I can only answer from my perspective, and it's a big thumbs up to the night games. I simply can't make it during the week to the day games and have no problems with the evenings on weekends...


Yip, I hear you, but that is us old fuddy duddies ha ha ;)

Oi, watch your foul mouth...:mad:


The "youngsters" that the organisers are probably wanting to start attracting have different priorities though. Would be interesting to see the hours being considered too, as yes a few "youngsters" would meet at the cricket, get sozzled and then head off to party.

They could add some after-match night-time flavour to the matches. Much like they did with the rugby in Durbs by placing Eighties right outside the stadiums...;) At the Wanderers for example, there are plently of jols around that area...


EDIT : And out of interest why is it automatically assumed that sodomy is a bad thing? A bit of sodomy can be good thing! ;)

Your missus is one very open-minded individual...:eek: :p

[Sting]

EDIT : And out of interest why is it automatically assumed that sodomy is a bad thing? A bit of sodomy can be good thing! ;)


Yes. Bring it on. I been saying it for years....

:wtf: this is a cricket thread!! :cry: :D

[DJ...]

Woohoo - poll added. Go cast your vote...

[Alan]

Problem is not the game it's the people. Dumbed down masses :(

[Sting]

done - guess? !

[LancelotSA]

I'Your missus is one very open-minded individual...:eek: :p


:wtf: this is a cricket thread!! :cry: :D

:D ha ha

My vote added...

[phiber]

Sorry, but I'm a traditionalist when it comes to Test cricket.

White kit, red ball. No floodlights.

Yea, not gonna go watch a test match till 10pm on a Sunday, think its ridiculous. Part of the "test" of test cricket is dealing with the heat while fielding for 2 days straight. Then going in to bat and still being able to concentrate. Also removes the morning starts which are usually the best sessions of test cricket. Often there is morning clouds, best session for the bowlers. If you watch the England SA series most of the wickets fell in the first sessions. They were the most interesting sessions (like the one this morning). Or the one where england took 4/11 in capetown i think.

[DJ...]

Yea, not gonna go watch a test match till 10pm on a Sunday, think its ridiculous.

The final night of a thrilling test? What about a one-dayer? And if it ended at 9pm instead?

[DJ...]

done - guess? !

It takes all-sorts in this world, I suppose...:rolleyes: :p

[sand_man]

Yeah I would like to see Onions batting to save a test much at 10.30pm under lights, Steyn the bowler, on a Sunday evening!!!!!!

[LancelotSA]

The final night of a thrilling test? What about a one-dayer? And if it ended at 9pm instead?

This is what I was questioning. What time is being considered? 10pm will be too late for a lot of people for five consecutive days. Those chores the missus is wanting done will not get done if all the blokes are sleeping in until 11am after only getting home at around 11pm.

If it ends at 8pm then not sure how many after work folk will go as it will mean they only get two hours of cricket.

EDIT : Oi, I see the thread title has changed... that now leaves my one comment totally out of context! Bloody mod thread starter! ;)

[sand_man]

1.30pm-9pm

[cr@zydude]

I wouldn't like to see it, I really like my test cricket the way it is, just the review system needs some tweeking. Maybe try it in the SuperSport Series first, and see if the croweds pick up. If so, and only then try it in Aus.

All the people pushing for it, do you realise the problem with the ball, the ICC are trying a pink ball for this. Also, how will due affect the pitch at night? It needs to be used for 5 days unlike an ODI or Pro 20.

[DJ...]

Yeah I would like to see Onions batting to save a test much at 10.30pm under lights, Steyn the bowler, on a Sunday evening!!!!!!

Fsck that. Make Ashwell Prince bowl right-handed for all I care...:D

[LancelotSA]

1.30pm-9pm

Hmm with Joburgs weather that will still mean a few lost hours to afternoon thunderstorms. I realise that it could then mean an earlier start the next day but then this would mean one team may get a lot longer batting in the day time which would cancel the balance DJ put forward.

It will also be interesting to see how the toss would be approached if this was implemented. Do you consider when this could result in your batting? In this last test SA would have had to come in and bat on the first night. And declarations. Declare just as the sun goes down making it difficult for the opposition to adjust during that tough transition period with sunlight turning to artificial light.

[DJ...]

I wouldn't like to see it, I really like my test cricket the way it is

Let's face it, that's not much of an argument is it? Tell us some of the reasons why it wouldn't work instead...


All the people pushing for it, do you realise the problem with the ball, the ICC are trying a pink ball for this. Also, how will due affect the pitch at night? It needs to be used for 5 days unlike an ODI or Pro 20.

Addressed these two issues earlier...;)

[DJ...]

Hmm with Joburgs weather that will still mean a few lost hours to afternoon thunderstorms. I realise that it could then mean an earlier start the next day but then this would mean one team may get a lot longer batting in the day time which would cancel the balance DJ put forward.

That's just up to nature and already plays a part in the game. The only difference being the balance between night and day and with the times proposed, there's already only about 3 hours of night batting. It would become a part of the strategy for the captains though as the weather could play a serious role in JHB. Although knowing this weather, if it storms tonight, it'll do the same tomorrow and the next day if it isn't raining - i.e. all teams affected pretty evenly.


It will also be interesting to see how the toss would be approached if this was implemented. Do you consider when this could result in your batting?

As has been witnessed already, trying to predict when a team will bat until is more guesswork than a Free State matriculant's answers in these years' finals...


And declarations. Declare just as the sun goes down making it difficult for the opposition to adjust during that tough transition period with sunlight turning to artificial light.

The light issue already affects play to quite a degree. I don't think it will have as much of an impact as you think. Especially if what was before lunch, becomes dinner at that time...;)

[Sting]

Imagine the discussion at the MMC, Lords: "It's just not cricket, old chap".

[DJ...]

Imagine the discussion at the MMC, Lords: "It's just not cricket, old chap".

I can picture you in a top-hat, puffing on a cigar, complaining about the room-temperature whisky, saying exactly that...:D

[Sting]

I can picture you in a top-hat, puffing on a cigar, complaining about the room-temperature whisky, saying exactly that...:D

Almost - have never smoked though....

[timgaul]

Will give people who work a chance to attend the game. Get more people, earn more money and make tests profitable!

[DJ...]

To those of you who voted no, if this were introduced, would you not attend the matches on principle?

[Sting]

I watch any form of cricket. I just won't classify this as traditional Test cricket.

[timgaul]

I watch any form of cricket. I just won't classify this as traditional Test cricket.

Surely the same should be said about 5 days? Traditional cricket doesn't even restrict the time period. So I'm afraid the game has changed much over the last century or two, and it will change again. Supporting "traditional cricket" seems a bit pointless since it hasn't been played in years!

[DJ...]

I watch any form of cricket. I just won't classify this as traditional Test cricket.

If it has little no affect on the game then what difference would it make?

[Sting]

Surely the same should be said about 5 days? Traditional cricket doesn't even restrict the time period. So I'm afraid the game has changed much over the last century or two, and it will change again. Supporting "traditional cricket" seems a bit pointless since it hasn't been played in years!

The last timeless Test was in 1939.

[timgaul]

The last timeless Test was in 1939.

And in 60 years they're gonna be saying the last day test match was in 2010. See, ridonkulous to claim you're supporting "traditional cricket" since this will become "traditional cricket".

[Sting]

And in 60 years they're gonna be saying the last day test match was in 2010. See, ridonkulous to claim you're supporting "traditional cricket" since this will become "traditional cricket".

It might have been timeless, but it was played with white kit and a red ball and during daylight hours.

[DJ...]

It might have been timeless, but it was played with white kit and a red ball and during daylight hours.

All for practical purposes. In this day and age, we no longer have to limit the game for the same practical purposes as they're technically no longer necessary...

[timgaul]

It might have been timeless, but it was played with white kit and a red ball and during daylight hours.

The ball wasn't always red, the kit wasn't always white, the bat wasn't always flat, the ball wasn't always bowled over arm, there weren't always three wickets, and so on. And every time these changes were made the cricket viewing public was up in arms (none so much as the change to over arm bowling - it was nothing short of blasphemy!) and yet these changes are now all part of "traditional cricket".

In short, this will become part of the evolution of the game and in 5, 10, 20 or even 30 years it will be "traditional cricket".

Timeless tests were stopped for organisational and economic reasons, the introduction of day/night tests will be for the same reasons. So, insomuch as things change they ultimately stay the same.

[stefan9]

I am all for it. Just like I am for using the pink ball instead of the red ball. Losing way too much time due to players going of for bad light. Would also like a solution to sideds bowling slowly and the fans being deprieved those overs, reckon a penalty of 5 runs per over that you are behind at the end of the day will do the trick.

[cr@zydude]

To those of you who voted no, if this were introduced, would you not attend the matches on principle?

No, I'm not that pathetic, I just prefer my test cricket in the day time.

[Devill]

I say try it at domestic level then if there are no unforseen problems give it a go in one series and lets see how it goes.

I like things changing a bit but not too much and it should not take away the essence of the game of test cricket.


I am all for it. Just like I am for using the pink ball instead of the red ball. Losing way too much time due to players going of for bad light.

Well trott wastes enough time on his own :(

[alf101]

I wouldn't want Steyn swinging both ways with a pink ball.

This was tried in Oz before and failed.

It just ain't test cricket.

[LancelotSA]

I say try it at domestic level then if there are no unforseen problems give it a go in one series and lets see how it goes.

Yeah, they could even play an unofficial test to give it a go if people are worried about their stats.

[Sting]

I wouldn't want Steyn swinging both ways with a pink ball.

That just does not sound right!!! :whistle::whistle::whistle:

[alf101]

5 days of lights are also going to cost a fortune, I don't think all the grounds in the world have lights either.

Englands grounds don't all have lights afaik.

[dequadin]

Anything that can get us more Test cricket, in the torrent of ODI's and T20's, is a good thing!

[milomak]

The ball wasn't always red, the kit wasn't always white, the bat wasn't always flat, the ball wasn't always bowled over arm, there weren't always three wickets, and so on. And every time these changes were made the cricket viewing public was up in arms (none so much as the change to over arm bowling - it was nothing short of blasphemy!) and yet these changes are now all part of "traditional cricket".

In short, this will become part of the evolution of the game and in 5, 10, 20 or even 30 years it will be "traditional cricket".

Timeless tests were stopped for organisational and economic reasons, the introduction of day/night tests will be for the same reasons. So, insomuch as things change they ultimately stay the same.

well put. people who use the traditionalist argument (no matter the topic) often forget that what they consider tradition now had evolved over the years to meet the challenges of that time.

[Morgoth]

if there is no pink ball then sure..

or else

Always keep it real ALWAYS.

also for those traditional people, remember test cricket used to be a 6 day game at one stage.

[stefan9]

5 days of lights are also going to cost a fortune, I don't think all the grounds in the world have lights either.

Englands grounds don't all have lights afaik.

I think its only the West Indian grounds that don't have lights. Only other one is Hobart but they have announced plans to have lights for the 2010 season.

[krycor]

i think only change needed is a reserve 6th day. for when overs lost > 30-45ov?

[DJ...]

5 days of lights are also going to cost a fortune, I don't think all the grounds in the world have lights either.

But the advertising revenue will increase significantly, as will the rights to broadcast, due to it being played in a prime-time slot instead. Naspers should be punting this big time, considering it might up their PVR sales...:D

[alf101]

But the advertising revenue will increase significantly, as will the rights to broadcast, due to it being played in a prime-time slot instead. Naspers should be punting this big time, considering it might up their PVR sales...:D

They've been playing under lights in the Windies since 08 Jan 2010, lets see how it goes.
http://www.cricketworld.com/internationalcricketnews/west_indies/article/?aid=22697

It failed in NZ
http://www.cricinfo.com/newzealand/content/story/114569.html?CMP=OTC-RSS



I think its only the West Indian grounds that don't have lights. Only other one is Hobart but they have announced plans to have lights for the 2010 season.

Nope, the poms are a bit behind as usual.

As of 2008 only a third of the eighteen first-class counties in the whole of England and Wales have Paramount Floodlights at their home grounds. Because of this the other counties have to use temporary floodlights which are brought in by road when they stage their floodlit macthes at home and because of this (As well as the cost) most, especially the smaller counties only host one floodlit match per year in the NatWest Pro40 League and apart from their home Twenty20 Cup matches it is often seen as the main event of the cricketing season at their grounds with higher than average attendances often recorded depending that the weather is fair.