The Flat Deck Problem

[Marshland]

Coincidence? I think not.

Don't forget that Australia are the team affected the most by this tripe as shown by their recent 'successes' in the last two tours of England, India and the last tour of the UAE. All arenas where the Kiwis have put up a better show.

Yeah Khawaja may be getting the plaudits now but if the average fan were to turn on the telly a few short months from now they'll see a deer in the headlights, a batsman unable to grasp the intricacies of spin/swing/whatever else on offer.

 

[frankrizzo]

You posted this same stuff about 9 times in a row in the main game thread, not enough bites there?

 

[Mego Red]

Any actual data? Or just the phrase? Any data on pitches BEFORE Hobart? Or was that loss so psychologically damaging we've forgotten everything that preceded it?

 

[Carbine Chaos]

Few posters want this re-opened, and fair enough - hopefully it can filter out some of the whinging from the game thread. Going to rename it though as I don't think flag pitches are an issue just restricted to Australia.

 

[strewthcobber]

Could we have a worst display by a visiting bowling attack thread?

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[imadodgyumpire]

Flat decks are only a problem when virender sehwag is making runs.

 

[Gavin Excell]

Is there a view flat decks prepared to ensure matches last longer than 3 days?

 

[The Speaker]

Is there a view flat decks prepared to ensure matches last longer than 3 days?

I can think of no other reason.

Says a lot about how CA rates worldwide batting stocks if they think a normal pitch will have the match over before the end of the fourth day.

 

[Scotland]

I don't think 'flat' pitches are the problem, moreso pitches which are too consistent across the duration of test matches.

A team making a big first innings score is fine, but at some stage you want batting conditions to be unfavourable for a reason other than a gulf in quality/performance between the two competing sides.

In the good old days of the WACA you had searing pace and bounce. The wicketkeeper would've been outside where they put the boundary rope now... As a bowler you got good pace and bounce from the wicket and as a batsman once you got in you got good value for your shots. As the test wore on the pitch would start to break up and there would be uneven bounce for the pace bowlers and a bit of turn for the spinners.

If you bowled first you had the chance to get the most out of the fast wicket. If you batted first you could build a score if you batted patiently and wouldn't need to bat in the 4th innings.

What I've seen the last two days just looks like the team batting first making a huge score then the team batting second coming out knowing they basically need to also make a huge score just to save a draw. Maybe the pitch will crack up a bit on day 3-5 but I'll wait and see on that.

 

[Marshland]

I can think of no other reason.

Says a lot about how CA rates worldwide batting stocks if they think a normal pitch will have the match over before the end of the fourth day.

Their own batting stocks, you surely mean.

 

[The Speaker]

Their own batting stocks, you surely mean.

No, I'm not one-eyed like yourself.

 

[FRUMPY]

New batting order and first 2 tests are roads, no coincidence. Helps that they know nz dont have exreme pace, unlike us

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[frankrizzo]

Veteran batting order last year and we had roads as well, CA don't give a s**t about helping the test side they just want 4-5 days cricket.

 

[Marshland]

Veteran batting order last year and we had roads as well, CA don't give a s**t about helping the test side they just want 4-5 days cricket.

Nope. They want success to drive up the ratings, this is only possible when a flat road is prepared. Throw in a touch of grass a la Hobart 2011 and the result is for everyone to see.

Besides after overseas whitewash tours some respite is needed. Warner needs to be made to look a hero, Khawaja should be showcased as the next worldwide batting sensation, etc.

All of this is not possible on helpful pitches.

 

[frankrizzo]

Nope. They want success to drive up the ratings, this is only possible when a flat road is prepared. Throw in a touch of grass a la Hobart 2011 and the result is for everyone to see.

Besides after overseas whitewash tours some respite is needed. Warner needs to be made to look a hero, Khawaja should be showcased as the next worldwide batting sensation, etc.

All of this is not possible on helpful pitches.

Yeah great thinking, india is in town so lets give them a turner first up and then 3 roads to follow just what you want for a team like india.....

It would be nice if CA did have some master plan to help the test side but they really don't care.

p.s. even if CA did have some covert plan to help the test side...so what?

Teams all around the world exploit home advantage.

 

[Mateyman]

Nope. They want success to drive up the ratings, this is only possible when a flat road is prepared. Throw in a touch of grass a la Hobart 2011 and the result is for everyone to see.

Besides after overseas whitewash tours some respite is needed. Warner needs to be made to look a hero, Khawaja should be showcased as the next worldwide batting sensation, etc.

All of this is not possible on helpful pitches.

Poor trolling. 3/10 too obvious. Work on making more subtle in future

 

[Gavin Excell]

I do find it intriguing australia seemingly always wins toss and bats first recent tests

 

[Bucking Beads]

As nice as it is to watch blokes like Warner, Khawaja and Williamson bat on flat decks I'd prefer to watch a true contest between bat and ball. The pitches this summer have been dreadful. I didn't expect the WACA to be flatter than the Gabba but it is. There is no doubt this is the biggest issue facing test cricket. It is really hard to watch when there is no real contest between bat and ball.

 

[greatwhiteshark]

The problem with producing flat decks in tests is that 95% of the time after day one only one side can win the match. So on top of the total lack of appeal it has to the public watching batathons the game is effectively over for one side after day one as far as winning is concerned.
How the cricket boards seem to think this is good is mind boggling to say the least.
It has people like Ponting and Dean Jones calling for neutral curators and removing the toss so the tourist always have the option to bat and bowl.
I have an idea, instead of going to those measures which is trying to solve an issue that is not there just go back to preparing the wickets as they once were.
When you come to Perth it will be bouncy, nice grass cover and some moisture in it. Serious test for Batsmans technique but if they are good enough they can still get runs.
When we go to Adelaide we get a road as we always have. Tune in day 5 for some possible entertainment.
In Brisbane we get a green seaming wicket which becomes a great batting strip day 2-3 and might turn day 5.
Sydney will also seam day one but be a good batting strip and of course turn most of the match.
Melbourne is a strange wicket, never know what you will get. Inconsistent bounce and will turn later. Can be difficult for both sides.
This is just a no brainer and the cricket boards need to wear that maybe Brisbane and Perth a side could get rolled cheaply and the game won't last 5 days.
Flat roads are not entertainment.

 

[King Elvis]

Is there a view flat decks prepared to ensure matches last longer than 3 days?

No doubt.

Dead tracks are the single biggest problem with Test Cricket; yet we insist on preparing them.

 

[Tassieboy]

I agree about the flat decks, but the reality is, there are fewer draws than ever.

 

[bird_man]

Think we need to get a bit more life in out pitches. Cricket in Australia has become quite boring IMO. I look forward to over seas tours where there is a bit of life in the wickets, whether it be spin or seam. These flat pitches suit us because we have fast bowlers who don't need to do as much with the ball, but it's not surprising that our batsmen struggle over seas when their is actually something in it for the bowlers.

 

[damochandler]

bank balance pitches

 

[Demosthenes]

The real problem is that there is nothing in the pitch for the bowlers on day one. If you give batsmen a flat pitch on the first day then there is no coming back from that.

 

[King Elvis]

If the Adelaide Test is a road, I'll spend the entire thing out the back.