India, Aug. 29 -- Let's not go back too far. Let's only look at a couple of Tests recently, which ended within days. Australia beat Bangladesh in Mackay inside two days in the second Test and then Pakistan lost to England in the first Test at Headingley inside three days. If truth be told that match wouldn't have gone into the third day either, if not for rain. Pitches at fault? Batting at fault? Yes, but there are more factors at play that have given rise to such Test matches. Former England captain Michael Atherton looks beyond and adds a few more points that explain the whole situation perfectly well.

During the ongoing second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's, which the hosts are quite certain to win, Atherton builds the ar...