Alviro Petersen blames T20 overload for low scores in Test cricket after Eden Gardens thriller
Alviro Petersen attributes low Test cricket scores to T20 overload, highlighting the need for traditional approaches like Temba Bavuma’s defensive strategy in challenging conditions, as seen in South Africa’s low-scoring win over India at Eden Gardens. Seen here: Petersen during his playing days for South Africa. Picture: Anesh Debiky/AFP
Image: Anesh Debiky/AFP
Former Proteas batsman Alviro Petersen has said that too much T20 cricket has contributed to lower scores in Test cricket.
While he was reacting to the low-scoring first Test between South Africa and India at Eden Gardens last week, his thoughts applied to the longest format of the game in general over the last few years.
South Africa made scores of 159 and 153 in the match, while India made 189 and 93 as the visitors surged to a 30-run win in the low-scoring affair.
With conditions that much in favour of the bowlers, it required a more traditional approach, explained Petersen, who played 36 Tests and 21 One-Day Internationals for SA.
Adapting to Test Cricket Conditions: Temba Bavuma’s Strategic Approach
“When you look at Test cricket, you can play a certain way on most surfaces, I suppose. Even if you look at Western conditions like Australia and South Africa, the ball might nip around for a little bit, but then once the ball gets old, it becomes good for batting,” Petersen told SportsBoom.co.za.
“So, most of the time, you can play that aggressive brand of cricket, but Test cricket is about adjusting to the conditions. When the conditions are tough, I think a lot of the time you’re going to get Test players that are going to find themselves in trouble. I say this because there’s an overload of T20 cricket.”
Petersen singled out Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma, whose 55 not out in their second innings was the highest score of the match.
“I think Temba has done it right. His main focus was to be strong in defence and have certain areas to score. That’s how it should be. It’s almost a demonstration of let’s try and be there for the long haul, because it’s not a wicket where you’re going to just hit boundaries or dominate the bowlers.”
“The bowlers will dominate. But as long as I can, as a batter, be in here and get the singles and the odd boundary. It’s not going to be a situation of transferring pressure to the bowler. So, I thought he played it nicely.”