Test cricket boosted by influence of the IPL

Dubai: The impact of Indian Premier League has made Test match cricket more exciting, according to Vijay Mehra, a former UAE World Cup player.

The ex-North Zone opening batsman feels the scoring rate in Tests has increased because of the IPL's influence.

"With almost all international players participating in the IPL, the scoring rate in Test matches has become faster and fielding has improved tremendously," said Mehra, who made his one-day debut against India for the UAE and hit a fighting 43.

"This has resulted in fewer drawn Test matches than in the past.

"Kieron Pollard's catch off Shaun Marsh in the Kings XI Punjab against Mumbai Indians match is a message to every youngster to lift their fielding to that level.

"Coaching has also undergone huge changes. No longer do coaches restrain youngsters from hitting over the top unlike in my playing days when any shot in the air was condemned. "Thanks to IPL, no coaches today try and curb the natural hitting talent in a player."

Emerging talent

Mehra, who was also a fine wicketkeeper, added: "The IPL has shown that there are many talented spinners in the country.

"No one would have heard of left arm spinner Bhargav Bhatt, who took four wickets against Mumbai, or about leg spinner Rahul Sharma or left arm spinner Iqbal Abdullah but for the IPL.

"Players are whacking bowlers like Doug Bollinger, Albie Morkel and Dale Steyn to stake their claim and this will keep all senior Indian players on their toes."