Having played several first-class matches at the Brabourne stadium, former India captain Ajit Wadekar urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India to make regular use of the iconic cricket venue for international matches.
"This is one venue which is closest to Lord's in London. The atmosphere here resembles Lord's. All visiting players from Australia, England and South Africa enjoy playing here [whenever a match is scheduled]. The atmosphere here is great," said Wadekar, the last man to lead India in a Test match at the ground.
Wadekar was speaking two days before Test cricket returns to its original home in the metropolis, the Cricket Club of India, which has conducted 17 Tests between 1948 and 1973.
He was optimistic that with the amount of international cricket now in three forms, a way certainly could be found to stage big matches at the CCI.
"There are so many formats of the game now. I am sure the cricket board would keep cricket it alive by hosting some international matches at this historic venue," he said.
Wadekar, who guided Sachin Tendulkar as the Indian team's cricket manager in the master batsman's early years, expressed hope that Tendulkar score a century at the venue.
"It will be like getting a hundred at Lord's. Sachin getting a hundred at Brabourne would be a special one. I am sure he would get a lot of runs on this wicket," Wadekar said.
"What Lord's cricket ground is to England, Brabourne is to India. It is the ultimate dream for any cricketer to play at Lord's. It is same here. Every cricketer would like to play at CCI. It has a lovely atmosphere that makes you feel different. You play in front of a knowledgeable crowd," he added.
Recalling the last Test held at the venue, when he was India captain, Wadekar said the thought never passed through his mind that it was going to be the last five-dayer at the CCI.
"I never thought it was be the last Test match at such a beautiful ground. Of course, the Wankhede stadium hadn't come yet. It was sad to go without cricket," the former stylish left-handed batsman said.
