Former South Africa pacer Vernon Philander has said that whenever a wicket falls, the on-field umpires get together and call for stumps due to bad light and with metres available these days to check what amount of light is suitable to play, there should be more clarity on these calls.
South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma paid for a momentary lapse, while Tristan Stubbs succumbed to Kuldeep Yadav’s craft, as India’s bowlers dominated an attritional opening day in Guwahati, reducing the visitors to 247/6 in the second Test.
During an ESPNCricinfo discussion, Philander stressed that cricket’s lawmakers must find a more effective solution to the bad-light problem in Tests, ensuring neither team gains an undue advantage.
“It always seems to happen. When
a wicket falls, the umpires get together and call it a day. As a batter, you certainly feel hard done by because you never know when the moment is going to arrive when the umpires are going to get together and say that the light is unfit,” Philander said.
“It’s certainly an advantage for bowlers when the light starts fading and the artificial lights start taking effect. I’d love to see a little bit more consistency around that. There are light meters around these days, but you certainly want the game to be played in as much natural light as possible,” Philander added.
India took the new ball just before stumps on Day 1 in Guwahati and Mohammed Siraj delivered. He removed a well-set Tony de Zorzi, enticing an edge with a length delivery that angled away and was taken behind the stumps.
The track offered a distinct challenge: unlike Kolkata, survival was not too difficult, but it was not a flat pitch either, where batters could blaze away with fours at will.
Indian bowlers Kuldeep Yadav (3/48) and ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah (1/38) showed exceptional control and skill on a track that offered true bounce and was conducive to batting.
