So today I dragged my lazy butt out of bed before sunrise, all because Eden Gardens had been playing tricks on us lately. You never know what that pitch will throw at you – one day it’s a batsman’s paradise, the next it chews up spinners like candy. Grabbed my kit bag, chugged some bitter coffee, and hustled over there as the sun started peeking over Kolkata.
The Morning Inspection
Got to the ground around 6 AM while the ground staff were still rolling the pitch. Stuck my fingers right into that soil – felt damn firm and dry, hardly any moisture at all. No dew hanging around either, which surprised me after yesterday’s drizzle. Noticed the groundsman giving it one extra heavy roller pass. Rubbed my hand over the surface – smooth as a tabletop, hardly any visible grass. Just that thin, brownish layer staring back at me. Thought to myself, “Huh, this ain’t helping the bowlers one bit.”
Watching the First Session
Plonked myself right by the boundary rope when the players came out. Sun blazing down now, not a single cloud playing hide and seek. Saw the opening batters tapping their bats, looking way too comfortable. First few overs? Ball zipping off the surface onto the bat like it was greased. The fast bowlers ran in hard, gave it everything, but barely got any bounce or sideways movement. Even when they dug it short, it just sat up politely asking to be whacked.
Spinners came on after 15 overs – that’s when things got real frustrating. The ball turned maybe an inch, if that. Skidded on straight most times, refusing to grip or bounce awkwardly. Batsmen were lunging forward confidently, knocking it around easily. Saw at least six boundaries fly through that extra cover region before lunch – just lazy drives finding gaps. Made notes in my little book: “Feels like batting on concrete. Swing? Zero. Seam? Nah. Spin? Dead.”
My Own Quick Test
Couldn’t resist. Grabbed a spare ball after lunch when the players were off. Decided to bowl a few leggies myself from one end. Wow. Felt like bowling on polished marble. My googlies didn’t turn, my flippers refused to skid. Just kept floating down gently while my buddy whacked me into the practice nets repeatedly. Even the yorkers felt slower off the deck. Took a willow myself – stood tall and just swung through the line. Ball flew off the bat far too easily. Almost felt unfair for the bowlers.
The Verdict
After grinding through the whole day, watching both sessions and doing my own little tests? No two ways about it:
- Batters are laughing: Set your stall out early, cash in big. Boundaries will flow once you’re in.
- Fast bowlers need grit: Only hope is perfect line/length, tire them out, pray for errors. Don’t expect help.
- Spinners gonna suffer: Bring your defensive A-game. Containment is all you’ve got today.
Bottom line? Toss winner bats first, racks up a mountain, and chokes the chase later. Hard day at the office if you’re holding that cherry. Pack some sunscreen and patience, bowlers.
