Cricket is going to look different on return

Ideally, this should have been a preview about two teams kicking off the English Test summer. But idealism has been sulking in the backyard for a while now. So, this is completely different from a preview to be read on the eve of a Test match in England. Starting tomorrow what happens for the next five days - might be less, given the recent reputation of Test cricket – will shape how the game is going to be played, viewed, covered, and to some extent even analysed for at least a few months. The trend can set in for longer than we expect, but let’s stick to the return of the game the world has missed so much that websites started commentating on iconic games from the past. But even blast from the past has an expiry date. Thankfully, it did not come to that.

Days leading up to the series have been filled with frantic preparations that involved more than just cricket administrators. And much of that has gone into ensuring the tournament gets underway. Even for a board like the ECB, it’s been a tedious task to create a bio-secure environment. Windies flew in early, checked into a quarantine facility adjacent to the stadium, were tested to ensure everything was in place. England too did the same with their players, there was a hiccup when Sam Curran fell ill but luckily it was not what could have halted the run even before it began.

In many ways, England vs Windies series is going be much different than what we are used to viewing. As a token of relief, according to reports, the advertisers, sponsors, and fantasy gaming platforms are ready to welcome back cricket with open arms. But the focus will be on what happens on the field. 

The most unique of it all will be the saliva ban. How both teams cope with it to maintain the shine on the ball will be interesting to see. Expectedly, the TV viewership will be better than earlier for two reasons: i, The game is back after a while and ii, There are no fans to be allowed for this game.

There is also a provision for COVID-19 substitute in case a player develops symptoms of the infections. One would hope we don’t see that happening, but it’s good to have a cushion especially in a five-day affair.

Albeit temporarily, but the ICC has also done away with the provision of having neutral officials for a Test or an ODI. This effectively means that after almost 19 years an Englishman will be seen umpiring in an international match in England. The umpiring contingent will consist of all Englishmen - Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Michael Gough, Alex Wharf and David Millns.

The ICC, keeping in mind the fact that doing away with neutral umpires might mean more inexperienced local umpires officiating the games, has also decided to arm the teams with one extra DRS per innings. So now the teams will have three unsuccessful DRS reviews per innings.

It’s been a long time coming but finally, the game is back. And much like how it started, the longest form of the game is going to pave the way for the other formats to follow and prove that we were right when we said: Only games are lost. The sport will always win!