Quote:
Originally Posted by FaaipDeOiad
There are some limitations to this insofar as the home team has a responsibility to prepare a wicket that is reasonable for cricket. There has to be some chance of a result, can't be unsafe for play etc.
|
Obviously no-one wants rank roads or dangerously uneven decks. But there's nothing at all unreasonable about a deck that seams plenty or turns plenty, or is a bit uneven, or is very quick, or is very slow, even if the game does finish in three days due to it. But many people cry foul at such decks if they're perceived to favour the home team, or even be in an attempt to favour the home team, regardless of whether it ends-up favouring the away team instead.
Quote:
|
I agree though, there'd be nothing wrong with England preparing a surface that favoured them. Not really sure what that would entail, mind you. I can't see a "result wicket" really helping England that much.
|
Australia, having the stronger bowling-attack, hold the aces. But a pitch that offers no chance of 40 wickets falling is 100% in Australia's favour; one that makes it very likely is much less in their favour. No-one can magic a pitch that gives any given team a better chance, but you can load the dice. For England, a loss and a draw is the same thing. From England's POV, a result wicket is the most important thing, and what type of result wicket can come next.