Tours to Close For Comfort

The first thing that came to mind after the euphoria of the Indian victory died down was – “there is not enough breathing space”. If fans can feel the fatigue and the disappointment in not being able to revel in India’s victory, how do the players feel when they have beaten one team after a month long duel only to find the second has arrived and waiting to have a go?

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The grueling four Test series is barely over and England is breathing down India’s neck literally. It appears that this is the trend in international career where even a ten day break between tours is considered a luxury. But is it just money fuelling the virtually non stop affairs that has become cricket or only some boards more cordial to some to extend the favours at the cost of the fitness of the players?

Something is all wrong about it. How can a team that finished an international Test on a Monday be playing an international one day game against another international team on a Friday. That this is only happening more frequently must be some cause for concern because no mercy will be shown to players on either side for their performances. Adaptability then becomes a key word as it will not be Kevin Pietersen’s switch hit that will be solving problems.

But fitness will also take a toll as players will play with niggles, some hiding their injuries, others being forced to sit out. Either way, it spells disaster for the team with the injured player but there will be no place for excuses on the cricket field.

Can one blame the fan for forgetting the Sri Lankan series? Of course, the manner of victory for the Indians against Australia caused a few painful memories to be erased. But if England pull it off, the Border Gavaskar Trophy will be a forgotten case as well, which would be a shame and a tragedy.

It is a cold, hard uncompromising game – cricket. Is it any wonder that increasingly the teams are being segregated as Test players and specialist one day men?

For some people who think it’s a sport for softies, let’s see them pack their suitcases and jet set and win it all but not complain if the result is a drubbing. Takes some doing, but what board, or even the ICC, is interested?