VVS Laxman’s retirement reflected on the ticket sales for the first Test match between India and New Zealand to be played in Hyderabad from Aug. 23 as a poor turnout is expected for the match, says a report in The Indian Express.
Only 2,500 tickets have been sold for the match in a 39,000 capacity Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Gerard Carr, HCA executive committee member said, ““We would be happy to see a crowd of 7,000 to 10,000.Ticket sales have been poor and the retirement of Laxman has compounded the woes.”
He added, ““The Test match viewership is going down. But we expected the crowd to fill up to see a last glimpse of Laxman in India colours. But it won't happen.”
Meanwhile, Kiwi all-rounder James Franklin is confident that his side will do well against the hosts, says a report in The Times of India.
"We are coming from a tough tour of West Indies. But it's always a new beginning with a new coach (Mike Hesson) and a couple of new faces in the squad. I think the guys are looking forward to take on a strong Indian side in Indian conditions”, he said.
Franklin added, “"We also have the talent which needs to be transformed into application in the middle. Each individual will be backing his game plan and obviously you have got the overall team plan and in the coming days we have to train hard and work out our strategies and hopefully our plans come good."