Cricket

Ind vs Eng 2021: England are not behind in this game due to the pitch – Mark Butcher

 

Former England batsman and now commentator Mark Butcher has stated that England are not behind in the game due to the pitch. A lot of cricket boffins believe that the pitch is not fair as the ball has been turning square from the opening session of the first day.

However, Butcher is of the opinion that England are behind in the game because of Rohit Sharma’s masterpiece knock of 161 runs in the first innings. Rohit batted at his best and took the attack against the England bowlers. The talisman was quick to punish the loose balls and played a fine knock despite the arduous conditions.

Furthermore, Butcher believes England bowlers didn’t bowl particularly well on the first day of the second Test match as India posted 300-6. Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane added a fine alliance of 162 runs and got India into a dominating position. The hosts posted a par score of 329 runs in the first essay.

Subsequently, India dismissed England for a paltry score of 134 runs in the first innings after a five-wicket haul from Ravichandran Ashwin and thus they got a lead of 195 runs.

“First of all, let me make this one point. England are not behind because of the pitch. They are behind because of Rohit Sharma’s brilliant batting in the first innings and because they did not bowl very well on a surface where the ball was going through the top from Day 1. To be frank with you, the game is probably beyond England as it is at the moment,” said Mark Butcher while talking to Star Sports.

On the other hand, Butcher added that he won’t have called this pitch a good one even if England were ahead in the game. The former left-handed batsman feels the ball shouldn’t be going over the top on an opening day.

‘For me, it’s not about the pitch or who’s on top or who’s winning or whether it’s unfair on England. England is out there. You’ve got to play on what you’ve been given. If England were 250 runs in front on this surface, it still wouldn’t be a good pitch for me, that’s all. You can have teams on top on flat ones, you can have teams on top on pitches where it does play a bit. My opinion is that the ball should not be going through the top on Day 1, on any surface in any country, anytime, anywhere in Test match cricket,” Mark Butcher concluded. 

Meanwhile, India has put themselves in a consolidated position as they scored 286 runs in the second dig after Ashwin scored a magnificent knock of 106 runs. Thus, England has to chase down the improbable target of 482 runs.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024