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Opinion
Following the second Test between India and England, the so-called experts – almost to a man (and the occasional woman) – seemed to think England were thrashed purely as a result of a diabolical wicket.
We uninformed cricket lovers seem to think England were just thrashed in all facets of the game.
From the very first ball, the ranting and raving about the wicket was absurd. Sure, it wasn’t the best, but India managed to score over 600 runs on it and England under 300.
The Indian batsmen seemed to apply themselves better and played the ball, not the wicket. The England batsmen didn’t apply themselves at all and looked defeated as they walked out to bat.
Rohit Sharma’s century in the first innings was magnificent. He took the attack to the bowlers, put them under pressure and reaped the rewards. England scored at 2.2 runs an over in their first dig, were anchored to the crease, and barely played a shot in anger.
In the second innings, India were 6-102 and going nowhere when Ravi Ashwin came out at No.8 and smashed 100 off 130 balls.
In reply, England faced 19 overs, lost three wickets, but could have been all out. They looked totally clueless.
A lot’s been said about how India’s spinners are so much better and more experienced in the conditions. Obviously Ashwin’s a wonderful bowler but Kuldeep Yadav has only played seven Tests and Axar Patel was making his debut. Ashwin was dropped three times on his way to his century. That had nothing to do with the wicket.
Yet listening to the experts, the wicket was a disgrace. These same experts are quick to slam teams that come over to England early in our summer, face cold weather, green seaming wickets, and predictably get hammered.
What annoys me is that it’s their opinions that are listened to, not the majority of cricket lovers who have just seen England get thrashed by a far better team.
Michael ‘have I mentioned I was captain of the 2005 Ashes side’ Vaughan called the game over at tea on the first day with India 3-189. Is it just me or is that ridiculous?
India won fair and square by playing better cricket on a difficult but far from impossible wicket.
It is supposed to be Test cricket, which the English sporting media should thing about before they start moaning and whining.
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