Now that two ODIs had to be cancelled because of the terrorists’ outrage in Mumbai, the cricket board would do well to demand of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) it agrees to play an additional Test, making it three overall.

Two-Test series are a waste of time and energy. However, since most cricket boards are avaricious and hell-bent on making as much money as possible, the emphasis, unfortunately, seems to be on either version of the shortened form of the game. Of course, senior cricketers make sure they are quoted as saying, “Test cricket is the real thing.”

One always expected that the two Tests against England would end up being played in Mohali and Chennai after the Mumbai outrage. Once the original venues had to be changed, these two had to be given preference, because Indian cricket board is virtually run by these two. But what has Kolkata done wrong, having the second biggest stadium for the game in the world? Or, is it because a gentleman answering to the name of Jagmohan Dalmiya resides there? Also, Dalmiya has put the cricket board in a spot with the recent litigation.

It is nice to read former England captain Michael Atherton stating that a full strength England team should come for the Tests. He would be more helpful though, if he could tell us what a full strength England side is, after substandard performances in the recent ODIs.

Trust the Pom to cling to his feeling of superiority, when he is aware that with the England team being as weak as it is, there will be few paying spectators both at Mohali and Chennai.

Nowadays it is not the hard-earned money of the spectators that matter, because the money comes from other sources. So a third Test would be right, as the discerning cricket follower would be able to get in some serious cricket. Why should not the venue for the third Test be Mumbai, to demonstrate that the great city has recovered completely?