Arrogant Indian Think-Tank Has Taken The Shine From Essex's Big Occasion

I don’t know if it was just me, but did anyone else find India’s decision to snip a day off their tour match against Essex because of hot weather, well, just laughable?

Agreed well in advance, by contract, Essex’s match against the tourists, still a highlight of county fixture lists, was scheduled for four days. But with a high pressure system stuck over Europe, which has led to a spell of hot, dry weather, India’s think-tank has decided four would be too stressful prior to the first Test which begins next Wednesday, and cut it down to three.

The temperature during the match was predicted to peak at 33C, which is a chilly day during the cricket season in Mumbai. Although tours to India take place during their winter, there is no way Chelmsford is hotter than Chennai where, over the years, countless England players have played matches to their original conclusion.

Part of the challenge for sides touring other countries is the hassle/pleasure/duty (delete as appropriate) to play these ancillary matches. Home advantage is meant to be just that, and if the unsung county player can press it home further by wearing out the opposition in tour matches, so much the better.

There were reports too, in Indian news outlets, that the visitors also had concern over the dry outfield at Chelmsford, considering it a potential hazard to players. Rough outfields? What a cheek. India invented them.

As a final insult to injury, the tourists insisted on playing more than 11-a-side, a confection which immediately removed the match’s first-class status. Anyone making a hundred for the county or taking five-for will therefore not have it recorded in the proper manner. No big deal to India’s pampered millionaires, but a potential career highlight for a county pro.