Day Night test cricket on its way

Virat Kohli and Saurav Ganguly did the unthinkable by bringing day
night test cricket to India. Kolkata will host the second test between
India and Bangladesh which will officially be the first day night test
played by India from November 22 to 26. It was on Nov 27, 2015 when
the first ever day night test match took place between Australia and
New Zealand. It just took a week for the new BCCI president Saurav
Ganguly to take the initiative and Indian test captain Virat Kohli
just three seconds for the nod of approval.
Ganguly has always been toying with the idea of day night test
cricket. Dwindling crowds due to lack of interest in the longer format
of the game, as well as lack of time for the public to be at the
stadium from nine to five, due to a busy work schedule, has finally
led to this development.
Challenges facing day night test cricket
With the winter setting in it is going to be a huge challenge to have
a successful day night test match. Saurav Ganguly has left no stone
unturned in marketing this test match. Bangladesh team which initially
had reservations touring India due to their issues with board finally
agreed. The former India captain has lot of plans from inviting
sportsperson from various fields, politicians from both countries as
well as players who played the first test match between both teams in
2000. The last thing Ganguly would want is a test match marred due to
conditions not being suitable for play.
Dew and ball conditions
The biggest factor as Sachin Tendulkar pointed out will be the dew
factor. The pink SG ball which is going to be used instead of the red
ball for better visibility will have to be in good shape for 80 overs
as to avoid change of ball. The bowlers might struggle to grip the
ball due to the dew factor thus leading to a batsman friendly
encounter. An early start should help but the third session on each
day will be played at night which would be challenging. Above all the
turn out of the crowd will be very important. Ticket prizes are
supposed to be as low as Rs 50. Prince of Kolkata as Saurav is fondly
called will want full houses for this first day night encounter so as
to make this test match a memorable one and also a start of many more
day night test matches to come in the near future.
Players hold the key
Above all though the players will have the final say on how the
experience was playing in this test match and whether this has a
future in India. Till then it is fingers crossed for everyone
concerned. India being a power house in World cricket will be the
major driving force whether it was the success of the fifty over
format after their victory in 1983 or the twenty over format after
their win in their inaugural 2007 World cup.