Javed Miandad Cautions ICC Against Dumping Toss
In the wake of recent suggestions by former Australia skippers Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh as well as former West Indies pace bowler Michael Holding, there is a lot of talk about dumping the toss in Tests in order to be on an even playing field.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: September 10, 2015 08:25 PM IST
![Javed Miandad Cautions ICC Against Dumping Toss](https://s.ndtvimg.com/images/content/2015/sep/806/javed-miandad-pakistan.jpg)
During the 2015 Ashes series, there were reports that the groundsmen had been deliberately told to prepare flat pitches in order to counter Australia's pace attack. This led to suggestions from former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting to do away with tosses in Tests. This proposal found backing from his former team-mate and captain, Steve Waugh as well as from former West Indies pace bowler Michael Holding. (Steve Waugh Backs Ricky Ponting, Michael Holding Call to Dump Toss)
Waugh backed Ponting's proposal that the away side would choose who bats first in order to negate home advantage. Holding, in his column for Wisden, had also backed Ponting's suggestion. (Ashes 2015: Ricky Ponting Says Lord's Pitch Unfair to Bowlers)
However, former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad has urged the ICC to proceed with caution with regards to any suggestions to get rid of the toss in Tests.
Speaking to APP, Miandad said, "Instead of dumping the century-old tradition of toss, the ICC should focus on removing faults which have turned test cricket to a mediocre level. I fear abandoning the toss will further disturb Test cricket. Toss is good for cricket. It gives way to a lot of discussion on television and radio. Everyone remains attached and curious from the time when the coin is in the air till a captain wins and takes a decision to elect to bat or otherwise."
Miandad stated that winning or losing the toss also impacts the preparations of the home team so this makes the contest equal. He argued that the proposal to do away with the toss primarily came from Australia after they played poorly in the recent Ashes series which they lost 2-3.
"They played as if they were in Down Under. Their batting technique was flawed and they played against the merit. The toss cannot be blamed for their disappointing performance," he added.
The former Pakistan skipper, who is currently the leading run-getter for Pakistan in Tests, has said that the ICC must create a permanent committee for for examining quality of Test pitches in the world. However, he added that he would not object if the ICC tried to experiment with the toss.
"The task of the committee should be to assess whether a wicket is playable or not. The committee should have clear cut directions to ensure standard pitches everywhere. I don't mind if the authorities concerned try do an experiment. But I believe this is not going to happen as several countries, including India will oppose any such move," he reiterated.