If only all Tests could be like the one in Dunedin. New Zealand have reached stumps on Day 1 at 276 for six, not far off what I’d call the perfect opening day as far as the neutral cricket-lover is concerned, with a proper balance between bat and ball.

The runs were scored quickly enough (although ideally I’d like a team to pass 300 in 90 overs) and there are enough wickets down to suggest that there will be a result on the fourth or fifth day.

Alas, the second Test in Kanpur already seems to be heading for a draw. That’s a ridiculous statement to make after only one day, of course, but Test matches in India are being played on such good batting wickets these days that it is easy to become pessimistic.

After the dire opening Test match in Ahmedabad – in which a wicket fell every 21 overs – the pitch in Kanpur looks just as unfriendly for bowlers. India reached 417 for two on day 1 and with the exception of Sehwag being dropped in the first over, there has been little to rouse the impartial viewer. Even if Sri Lanka were to collapse in their first innings, you’d lay even money on them following on and making 500 to save the game.

Such are the flat, grass-less pitches we get in India these days. This is the seventh time in the past eight Tests when the side batting first in India has made more than 400. (On the other occasion, England made 316). Back in April 2008 there was the oddity of India being shut out for 76 batting first by South Africa, but as the Proteas batted for 140 overs in their first knock and India lasted almost 100 overs second time out, that suggests it was a freak result. The three first-innings scores before that were 540, 626 and 616-5. Batting is simply too easy.

I am all for dustbowls for pitches, like the one we had in Mumbai 2004, when Australia failed to chase 100 in the fourth innings. Or even juicy bouncy wickets will do. I miss those days when 300 was a par score, 400 a very good one and 500 was simply match winning.

The pitch in Kanpur is beginning to turn a bit and I would love to see a result here.

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