SA v IND 2021-22: "6 balls is hard enough for tailenders," Steyn bats for free hits off no balls in Tests

Bumrah bowled a brutal spell of short bowling to Jansen on Day 2 of third Test.

Jasprit Bumrah | Getty

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn suggested that free hits for no-balls should be introduced in Test cricket. The ongoing Test series between South Africa and India have seen a plethora of no balls and short balls being bowled by the pacers of both teams. 

Dale Steyn’s comments came after Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah bowled a brutal spell of short bowling to Marco Jansen on Day 2 of the ongoing third Test in Cape Town. 

Taking to his official Twitter account, Dale Steyn suggested introducing free hits in Test cricket, saying that it’s difficult for tailenders to face hard 6 balls from a ‘life-threatening fast bowler’. 

Read Also: Cricket fraternity lauds 'phenomenal' Jasprit Bumrah as his 5/42 keeps South Africa to 210

"Free hit for No Ball in Test Cricket… What you think? Will definitely help the bowlers (when batting) survive those extended 7/8 and sometimes 9 ball overs we’ve seen happen before… 6 balls is Hard enough for the tailenders facing a top class life threatening fast bowler,” Dale Steyn Tweeted. 

Notably, Jasprit Bumrah and Marco Jansen exchanged some words during the second Test in Johannesburg after the former failed to connect a short delivery from the Proteas pacer. After that, both squared off in the middle of the pitch before on-field umpire Marias Erasmus eased the tension.

The third Test between South Africa and India is evenly poised at the moment. After posting 223 runs in their first innings, visitors bowled out the hosts for 210 runs, taking a lead of 13 runs. Even though they lost two wickets in their second essay, they are 70 runs ahead at stumps on Day 2. 

(ANI Inputs) 

 
 

By Ankitjit Singh - 13 Jan, 2022

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