Trouble in Eden

In the Twenty20 era,cricket is prone to acute anxieties,mostly about the viability of its longer formats. As the recent Ashes and India-South Africa Test series attest,those anxieties may be overdone when the contest is keen and the talent sound,the five-day version can be said to be in good health. The debate about the future of the one-day format may,however,be a more open one. And with the World Cup just weeks away,be sure that there will be ample readings about the 50-over game. Yet,as crickets biggest show comes to the subcontinent,the sport will also showcase its distinct engagement with venues.

Place matters to a cricket match in more ways than just playing conditions,and the history of a stadium inevitably exerts its shadow on the match summary. To be a cricket fan is to be familiar with the specifics of major venues. Therefore,its a little disappointing that a key World Cup match India-England has been confiscated from Kolkatas Eden Gardens for delays in getting its renovation completed in time. Eden Gardens has a long history of great matches the India-Australia Test of 2001,when the hosts won after being made to follow on and discerning,enthusiastic spectators. To settle down to a game of cricket amidst the roar of almost a lakh people roaring their enthusiasm and disappointments is a routine every cricketer,and even viewer,prepares for beforehand.

Therefore,its shocking that the local association failed to keep to the schedule. Its also unfortunate because Eden Gardens crowds,with their appreciation of history,would have liked to make up for a most unfortunate record in the World Cup. The last time a World Cup match was given to the stadium,an India-Sri Lanka semi-final in 1996,the spectators failed the occasion,and the match was prematurely deemed over. They need a chance to make amends.