India v SA, 1st Test, Nagpur, Feb 6-10

Yeah, that general period of time.

I can still see India scoring 700 odd over the next 2 days and rolling the Saffies on Day 5.

Will a crowd turn up then?

Although it's possible that JGK has just woofed India to an innings defeat...)

The answer (from what I remember from a decade ago, things don't seem to have changed) - really really crappy facilities, heat and dust and more heat (this is winter in Kanpur, summers are usually terrible), officious admin, $hitehouse overall environment and no wonder most people want to watch it on TV.

Tests used to get sold out crowds before TV viewing/ ODIs caught on. IIRC Eden gardens used to go 90k. You went because you couldn't get it elsewhere. But over the years, while the TV viewing experience improved, live Test viewing remained carp.

I used to watch FC games in Delhi - or used to try to (that's where I first saw Gambhir). I usually never lasted more than one day and 3 hours in that day. It was crap even in the 'special seats' . Under such conditions, going to these games is now a chore, though it should be a celebration.

So why would anyone go for the long game, when you can get it on TV?

Thanks for the well-considered answer furri.

Would it be beyond the pale to suggest that the BCCI needs to open the purse strings and upgrade facilities so spectators WANT to go to the games?

Exactly Zat. Although, I am not sure where BCCI's responsibility ends and where begins that of the state associations.

Indian viewers have evolved in that they have better viewing choices - TV. They can afford to ignore Live games, because the alternative is so bad. Back in the day we were neither as developed as an economy, nor did we have such a buoyant middle class, we all went to the game. Not any more.

You can watch a game in your house, in an a/c environment, with friends over. Why would you bother?

I would be interested in the TV numbers/ ratings for Tests as a better reflection of what is going on. I don't have a source, sorry.

I seem to on a roll. Last statement on the subject, I promise. When I see an English or Aussie or NZ or Caribbean crowd on TV, it seems that the facilities are so much better (except the Windies) and they are having so much fun (Including the Windies). More relaxed, more laid back, just more ...pleasant.

I do not see that much in Tests in India.

But TO, SG, do boy, Batman et al will tell me if that perception is wrong, or not. They are 'on the ground' so to speak.

Kanpur stadium is not under bcci's jurisdiction.

bcci just owns a few stadiums, probably 3-4 and the facilities there are at par with anywhere else.

furriner wrote:Exactly Zat. Although, I am not sure where BCCI's responsibility ends and where begins that of the state associations.

It should be a fairly simple matter that if the BCCI decides to give a match to a stadium that they should help out with the upkeep/improvement if the venue.

Seems that someone/several people somewehere is/are getting fat on the proceeds, when the money could/should go elsewhere.

Play starts on day 3.

May be I missed it but Steyn isn't as pacy in this innings as he normally is while Morkel is still clocking in excess of 145 Ks.

furri, you could always visit RCA Jaipur or PCA Mohali, or Brabourne Mumbai, or Chinnaswami Bangalore for that superlative cricketing experience.

Gambhirrrrr.

Sehwag gone.

Steyn gets him.

TO, what is your take on cricket stadia in India now? Have they improved in terms of spectator facilities, viewing experience etc?