The second Test match which is being played between India and England at Chepauk ground in Chennai, a significant turn has been seen on the pitch. Experts have also raised questions about the pitch being slow. Experts are asking how can a five-day Test match be played on such a pitch.
Team India’s star bowler R Ashwin, however, defended the pitch. Ashwin believes that a benchmark needs to be set for batting on this pitch.
“When it comes to spin, unfortunately, people don’t expect … they want conditions in their favor, driving, cutting everything needs to happen. But when it comes to a seaming wicket, you can’t do all those when you start in the morning. I think the same kind of benchmarks need to be set when you play spin on a challenging pitch as well, “Ashwin told reporters after India ended Day 2 with a 249-run lead in his bank.
“I don’t know if they have complaints. If they do, it’s quite natural for people to come up against adverse conditions and then be taken aback by it. In all honesty, in the 7 days of Test cricket we have played far , England have played really well, competed really well, “he added. “But time and again, there are conditions which will challenge you, be it spin or be it seam.
“The only comparison I would say is if the ball is moving around in 140-150 clicks off the deck, that has to be more challenging than someone bowling at 85 or 90 kph when the ball is spinning. Clearly, the challenges are way greater when you come up against seam. It’s just the same way when you play spin, you have to give it to the bowler, play time and then look to score runs. It’s another form of art, that’s it. As simple as that. “
R Ashwin has taken five wickets in England’s first innings. Ashwin says that he has no information about the complaints of England players regarding the pitch.
