Published: Jan 02, 2017, 02:18 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 02, 2017, 02:18 PM (IST)
Tamil Nadu’s bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji was surprised at the frequency with which the ball was changed on the first day of their semi-final clash against title-holders Mumbai in ongoing Ranji Trophy 2016-17 season. It was replaced three times inside the first two sessions and Balaji stated it disturbed the momentum of both batsmen and bowlers. Mumbai’s coach Chandrakant Pandit also came out in support of Balaji’s remarks and said it was an issue that needed to be taken seriously. Tamil Nadu ended Day One on 261 for 6 as Mumbai pulled things back with late wickets going into stumps. The second semi-final is being played at Nagpur where Jharkhand is pitted against Gujarat.
“During the game, batting or bowling can lose the grip because of a sudden change (of the ball). I think most of the coaches had discussed that in the last coaches and captains [conclave],” said Pandit.There have been previous instances of the SG Test ball being replaced after losing its shape but Balaji said he had never seen a ball being changed so often within a short period. He also felt the constant changing played on the minds of Tamil Nadu’s batsmen. “When the ball keeps changing, it is like you have to adapt to different balls. The ball makes a big difference in bowlers’ skills because in the recent past a lot of (ball-related) controversies have been going on. I am sure the ball has some kind of ability to change the course of the game; I believe in that because softer balls are sometimes helpful on some wickets and heavier balls are sometimes helpful on different wickets. I have not seen anything like three-four balls being changed in the first session. I don’t know (if it is) because of the conditions or because of the balls’ quality. That is not in our control. That’s up to the match officials”, stated an agitated Balaji.
Ranji Trophy 2016-17, Semi-Final, Day 1 report and highlights: Tamil Nadu end day on 261-6 vs Mumbai
On his team’s batting, Balaji admitted the loss of four wickets inside 15 overs either side of tea changed the script. Tamil Nadu folded for 305 on Day Two of the first innings against Mumbai with Abhishek Nayar and Shardul Thakur grabbing four scalps each.
