Not so long ago, major football competitions like the Premier League and La Liga kicked off in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite no crowd at the stadiums, fans witnessed some kind of crowd noises during the matches. It was used by the broadcasters to give viewers a lively experience.
Now, a similar step will take place in cricket as well. As per Daily Mail, in the upcoming Test series between England and West Indies which begins from July 8, the simulated crowd noise and music will be played during the games.
It would provide a competitive environment for the players. And it will also make fans experience a real-life stadium atmosphere while sitting in front of their screens at home. The inaugural Test of the three-match series will be played at Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
Reports also suggest that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and West Indies Cricket (CWI) have agreed upon playing the sound clips from past matches in order to bring some kind of normality during the series. Apart from this, the broadcasters would control the stump mics in the nonappearance of real spectators at the stadium who in general produce a lot of noise.
It is expected that due to sudden alteration in rules, players will take some time to get familiar of the present situation. Regarding the fake noise proposal, West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach has expressed his opinion. He said that some noise would be better than no sound at all.
“Some noise around would be great. It will be strange for us playing in England where there is always a lot of crowd noise and atmosphere,” said Roach as quoted by The Times.
Meanwhile, England have announced the 13-man regular squad and 9-member reserve squad for the series. English skipper Joe Root will miss the inaugural Test as he is expecting the birth of his child. In the absence of Root, England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been appointed as the captain of the team.
Here is England Men’s Test Squad:
Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler (wk), Zak Crawley, Joe Denly, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Test Reserves:
James Bracey, Sam Curran, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Ollie Robinson, Olly Stone.
