Would love to see a day-night Test match in India: Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid says suitable conditions must be provided for a successful experiment of day-night, pink ball Test cricket, otherwise the cricketers may “switch off” from the new concept.

Former India captain Rahul Dravid says suitable conditions must be provided for a successful experiment of day-night, pink ball Test cricket, otherwise the cricketers may “switch off” from the new concept.

New Zealand's Tim Southee bowls as the sun sets during the first day of the third cricket test match against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, in South Australia, November 27, 2015. REUTERS/David Gray (REUTERS)

“One of the things we can’t afford is we do the experiment without the right conditions and the players switch off from it. I think if it goes wrong initially you will find the players could switch off from it. We need to give it the best chance to succeed,” Dravid said.

India witnessed its first pink ball match in Eden Gardens, a four-day club game starting from June 18.

Dravid said the new concept may bring more fans to stadiums.

“I am glad we had this match in Kolkata and the Duleep Trophy will be played under lights,” he said.

Australia and South Africa will play a day-night Test in Adelaide in November, and the West Indies have also agreed in principle to play one against Pakistan in UAE later this year.

Dravid said there may be initial doubts about the concept but it will evolve with time.

“I think it’s natural to be wary when you first start, it’s stepping into the unknown a little bit. But as more and more matches are played, like we saw with the success of the Test in Adelaide, I think players will warm to the idea,” Dravid told ESPNcricinfo.

“.... but there are things that are different in every Test match in each and every country that you play in that are unique to that country and surface as well. So, I don’t think that’s something that should count as a negative.”