Flat tracks threat to Test cricket: Manjrekar

New Delhi:

Disappointed with the tame draw in the Ahmedabad Test between India and Sri Lanka, former batsman Sanjay Manjrekar said placid wickets like the one in Motera are a serious threat to Test cricket's progress.

The First Test match at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera, ended in a draw on Friday after around 1600 runs were scored on the shirtfront of a wicket.

"I think no sport is so dictated by the track on which it is played on. If we continue to encourage the curators by calling their 'flat tracks' good wickets then we are seriously hampering the progress of Test cricket," Manjrekar told a sports website.

"The last thing that Test cricket needs in present times is a sport that is played over five days, around seven hours a day, and ending in a no result. That in today's day and age looks completely outdated and the concept will not at all appeal to the younger generation," he added.

Manjrekar feels India and Sri Lanka didn't have the bowling attack to pick 20 wickets and their cause was not helped by an overtly batting-friendly pitch.

"Both the teams do not have the attack to pick up 20 wickets on a placid track. It this Test series has to get exciting, the pitches have to improve. There has to be a better balance between the bat and the ball," Manjrekar said.