IND vs AUS: Test cricket has always been a format of great importance for both the Indian and Australian teams, the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy being a highlight. The tight contest over the years has the made series all the more alluring.
The two teams were seen inspecting the 22 yards during their first training sessions ahead of the latest series opener to be held on Thursday at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. But why would they be alone? The pitch analysis has been a heated discussion for quite some time now. Add the former coach-captain duo in the mix and it takes a new turn.
Pitches to be rank turner or not?
Reminiscing the Kohli-Shastri era, the former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes that former duo would have made sure of highly spinning wickets from day 1, and now that the management has shifted the approach towards pitch curation remains unknown.
“India have always wanted or desired pitches that turn from Day 1. That just makes their job a lot easier.”
“If it were Virat and Ravi, then definitely it would have been rank turners, pitches that would turn from the first session. How will this management approach, I am not sure, but let us brace ourselves for pitches that will turn from Day 1.” said Sanjay Manjrekar.
The ‘Bazball’ approach?
A major reason for the touring sides failing in India has been their inability to tackle the heavy spin. Teams like England and Australia comprising of exceptional batters in Joe Root and Steven Smith who are well-versed with the approach however it’s the rest of the batting unit which breaks down under pressure.
Taking hints from England’s attacking approach in the subcontinent, Manjrekar also mentioned that a similar approach could backfire the Australians on the Indian soil.
“The history of all touring sides coming to India, they have just struggled to survive, forget about scoring quickly and getting the runs on the road. I remember they tried to do it with Butler, who attacked the spinners during the 2016 tour and failed badly at it.” said Sanjay Manjrekar.
The Australians are looking for their first win in India since 2004 while the focus for India is to book a berth for the World Test Championships Final scheduled, later this year.