England need a miracle to save anything from their second test match against India, on Chennai’s turning point that has been slammed by several celebrities of the sport.
India took control of the second Test after their spinners damaged the Chennai rainbow, flying England for 134 runs in the tourist’s first innings.
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The score represents the lowest ever score in England in India, 29 less than the worst previous level by Graham Gooch’s class in 1993 in Kolkata, and the second lowest in Asia.
In response, the guests finished day two at 1-54 for a total lead of 249 runs on a declining track, having made 329 in their first dig.
Rohit Sharma, who hit 161 in the first innings, was on 25 with Cheteshwar Pujara on seven at the end of the second day.
However, the state of Chennai park has been a major talking point, with some even demanding that India get points in the World Test Championship as a result.
Mark Waugh, an Aussie Test legend, described it as “inappropriate”, while former England captain Michael Vaughan described it as a “beach”.
Waugh commented on Twitter: “I all want a good match between a bat and a ball in a test cricket match but this pitch in Chennai cannot be accepted at a test match level.
“You can’t get the ball going through the top of the surface on day 1 from the main part of the pitch. Yes not from the footprints.”
Vaughan countered his objections by saying he was “not making excuses” for England, but said the pitch was not suitable for a five-day test match.
It hosts cricket because things happen all the time but let’s be honest this Pitch is a shock .. No apologies as India has been better but not this 5 day Preparation Test at Test Game … #INDvENG
– Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 14, 2021
I all want a good match between bat and ball in test match cricket but this pitch in Chennai is not inappropriate at the test match level. You cannot pass the ball through the top surface on day 1 from the main part of the pitch. Ie not from the footprints.
– Mark Waugh (@ juniorwaugh349) February 14, 2021
Never wanting to shy away from sharing his own feelings on social media, Shane Warne argued that the park had been playing the same for both sides.
“The toss was more important to win in the first test than this one, as he did nothing in the first 2 days. Then it exploded, ”Warne tweeted.
“This one has been a turning point from member one. Eng should have outscored India for 220. There was no difference between spinning or seaming & Rohit showed how they play on this surface. ”
Aussie Spin King comments sparked a backlash between him and Vaughan on social media, with the former England captain willing to accept Warne’s study.
It didn’t do anywhere so close to 2 sessions … Spun but it didn’t look like what it is doing now … India would have drawn the first Test if they on anything like they were in the first innings … This is not a good test maids pitch … https://t.co/HhK6dYLiHm
– Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 14, 2021
India has been better in every way .. But the pitch was not the same since Ball one !!! It’s ok to do anything you want at home to take advantage .. But this pitch for a 5 day Test match is a stinker .. but if I were in India I would be on the same to do ..👍 https://t.co/ ySGGzwg9ja
– Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 14, 2021
‘Great throw to win’ for India
England assistant coach Graham Thorpe maintained a diplomatic silence after the second day, refusing to comment on the suitability of the controversial pitch.
All Throrpe would assume is that England now need a miracle to save the match on the spinning – friendly surface.
“It’s very challenging on that surface for us on the second day,” Thorpe said at a video conference.
“They have a skillful spinning attack on their own terms and it was a really good toss to win. There are some balls in the pitch that you probably can’t do too much about.
“He’s definitely turned early in the game,” said Thorpe, a former England substitute.
“As for mentioning the suitability of the pitch for Test, that’s for someone above me to say,”
Broadcaster Simon Hughes has announced that India will receive points in the World Test Test in response to the turmoil.
England needed “something very, very special” on Monday to maintain their 1-0 lead in the four-Test series, Thorpe said.
But Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin denied any demons were in the park.
“Over and over again, there are conditions that will challenge you, whether it’s spinning or seam,” Ashwin, who took 5-43, told reporters.
“If the ball is moving around at 145-150km and off the deck, that has to be more challenging than someone bowling at 85-90km when the ball is spinning.
“Clearly, the challenges are much greater than when it comes to spinning.”
Ashwin was figuring out what he thought should be the batting technique on those routes.
“You have to give it to the bowler, spend your time and then deposit money later. It’s just another art form.”
with AAP
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