Delhi: India's hopes of victory in the Colombo Test against Sri Lanka are strong, but one mistake of the team has definitely increased the concern. Indian bowlers are continuously no-balling. Test debutant Saransh Jain's first ball was a no-ball, while Ravindra Jadeja has also crossed the crease four times in this match.
Saransh's first ball on debut was a no-ball
For Saransh Jain, the beginning of Test cricket was not like a dream. His very first ball became a no-ball. However, it is understandable that this happened under the pressure of debut, but even after this he could not control himself completely.
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In Sri Lanka's first innings, Saransh bowled 20.4 overs and bowled one more no-ball during this period. His troubles continued in the second innings also. So far he has overstepped four times in 17.4 overs.
Jadeja's old problem also continues
Ravindra Jadeja has been in the news for a long time regarding no-ball. This problem was visible in the Colombo Test also.
Jadeja bowled three no-balls in Sri Lanka's first innings, while overstepped once in the second innings as well. Especially when he tries hard to take a wicket, the risk of his foot going beyond the line increases.
Indian coaching staff also worried
India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule admitted after the fourth day's play that no-balls are a matter of concern for the team. He said that the team is working on it and it is not being ignored.
According to Bahutule, when the bowler tries hard to take wickets and is not getting wickets, then he applies extra effort. During this time the possibility of no-ball increases. However, he clearly said that this cannot be an excuse for this.
Is there a need for free hit in Test cricket also?
In white ball cricket, if there is a no-ball, the batsman gets a free hit on the next ball. But there is no such rule in Test cricket.
In such a situation, the question is arising whether there is a need for a rule like free hit in Test cricket also, so that the bowlers avoid no-balling.
Bahutule also admitted that if there was a major penalty attached to a no-ball, the bowlers would definitely be more cautious. He said that no team would want to give advantage to the opposition by giving extra runs and extra balls.
No decision to change the rules yet
However, the decision to implement free hit in Test cricket is not in the hands of the Indian team or its coaching staff. This matter comes under the purview of ICC's Cricket Committee.
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At present, it is most important for India that the bowlers themselves understand their responsibilities. A no-ball not only gives extra runs, but sometimes can also give a big life to the batsman. In such a situation, Indian bowlers will have to avoid this mistake at the crucial juncture of the match.