KOLKATA, India, IANS/CMC – West Indies manager Richie Richardson has thrown his support behind the use of lights in Test cricket after over an hour of playing time was lost on the second day of the Eden Gardens Test between India and West Indies.
With the use of floodlights not being mentioned in the playing conditions for the Tests, play was affected once in the morning and later called off 52 minutes before the scheduled close due to insufficient light in overcast conditions.
“I believe in technology … I fully support the use of lights in Test cricket …,” Richardson said.
“Anything that can assist the game is always welcome. If there are lights, why not use it?” asked the dashing batsman who played international cricket from 1983 to 1996.
Richardson, also a former West Indies captain, said the crowds came to the ground to see the players in action and this needed to be a consideration.
He also noted that constant interruptions affected the players. “You don’t want to be on and off (the field) with the light getting a bit low. This affects the concentration of the players,” said Richardson.
Indian batsman VVS Laxman, however, remained cautious about the use of lights in Tests.
“It’s quite challenging. It’s never the same as natural light. There are shadows around a red ball. Playing under lights is challenging,” said the stylish right-hander who chalked up an unbeaten 176 as India built a massive 631 for seven declared.
