England vs New Zealand: ‘Not a great spectacle for Test cricket’

England bowling coach frustrated with slow pitches in New Zealand series.

WELLINGTON: Relatively low, slow pitches in the first two Tests of the series against New Zealand have taken away a lot of the spectacle of Test cricket, England bowling coach David Saker has said.

The second Test between the two sides is heading for a damp draw after rain washed out virtually all of the two afternoon sessions at the Basin Reserve with New Zealand on 162 for two, still 49 runs from making England bat again, though heavy rain is forecast for much of the final day.

The first Test in Dunedin, which was also effected by rain, ended in a draw with both sides producing scores in excess of 400 runs, with England batting 170 overs to save the game in their second-innings.

Saker, however, said he felt frustrated that the bowlers from both sides were being taken out of the game by the benign pitch.

“It’s not a great spectacle for Test cricket when you’re playing on low, slow pitches and it makes it hard for batsmen to score and bowlers to prise their wickets out,” the Australian told reporters after play was abandoned.

“From where I’m sitting, I always like to see the ball get through and see batsmen playing off front and back foot and seeing catches behind the wicket always excites me.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 18^th, 2013.