Only 387 runs were scored in the third Test match between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium as the whole Test was wrapped up in just two days. The hosts convincingly won the game by 10 wickets and they have taken a 2-1 lead in the four-match series. England scored 112 and 81 in both of their innings whereas India could only manage 145 runs in their first essay.
There was a lot of help for the spinners on the surface but most of the wickets were taken on straight balls. In fact, 21 out of the 30 wickets were taken on straight balls.
The Indian skipper Virat Kohli believes that the quality of batting was not up to standards as both the teams failed to show any kind of resistance. England lost eight wickets for only 38 runs in the first innings and could only manage 112 runs.
India lost seven wickets for only 46 runs in the first essay and skittled out for 145 runs. Subsequently, England was bundled out for a meager score of 81 runs in the second innings.
The batsmen of both the teams couldn’t show any kind of gumption and they were not able to get going on the difficult pitch. Kohli believes his team’s spinners – Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel – were better than the opposition.
Virat Kohli said in the post-match presentation, “To be honest, I don’t think the quality of batting was up to standards. We were 100 for 3 and then got bowled out for less than 150. It was just the odd-ball turning and it was a good wicket to bat in the first innings. It was bizarre that 21 of the 30 wickets fell to straight balls, Test cricket is about trusting your defense. Lack of application ensured it was a quick finish”.
Kohli heaped praise on Axar Patel, who bagged 11 wickets in the match. Patel returned with 11-70, which is the best figure in the pink-ball Test matches. Furthermore, Kohli credited Ravichandran Ashwin for completing 400 Test wickets. The veteran off-spinner became the second-fastest bowler to reach the milestone.
Kohli added, “But then this guy ( Axar Patel) comes in. Bowls it quicker and from a bigger height as well. I don’t know what is it with Gujarat and producing so many left-arm spinners. You just cannot sweep this guy but you also can’t keep defending as he would just keep bowling at you. If the wicket has something in it, Axar is very lethal. I think we need to stand up and take notice of what Ashwin has done. In Tests, he is a modern-day legend. As a captain, I am so pleased he is on my team. We have to be ready for the hard grind. Few days extra off with a hectic schedule is welcoming”.
The fourth Test match will take place at the same venue of Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad from March 4.
