Even before the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series saw the light of day, the discussions about the pitches or criticism were all over the place. The opinions were amplified after Australia’s embarrassing significant loss by an inning and 132 runs and settled. Head Coach Rahul Dravid brushed all the claims on pitches used in BGT 2023 being bad for Test Cricket.
However, another shift of waves and the talks are back in full swing as the hosts lost the third test by 9 wickets on a tough spinning track of Indore which was given a ‘poor rating’ by the ICC and naturally all focus is now streamlined to the final game in Ahmedabad.
“Whatever it is, we must learn to play on them”- Dravid
Indian Head coach Rahul Dravid ahead of the 4th Test Match told that he is aware of the conversions around the rank turners and the team should adapt to play everywhere. He also mentioned the pitch being fine ahead of the Ahmedabad encounter.
“The pitch looks okay. A lot of talk about pitches. Whatever it is, we must learn to play on them.Won’t go too much into it, that’s match referees reading. With WTC points at stake, you look to play on wickets that produce results.” he stated.
“We have played on some challenging wickets when we go overseas also. Played in South Africa recently (2022), where spinners were completely taken out of the game. 109 were less in the first innings last game. 60-70 more could have made the difference.” he added.
Steep Road Ahead for India
The Indian team despite the unexpected loss have already retained the series for the forth time, leading 2-1. However, the bigger picture for the hosts is the World Test Championships final scheduled in June and the Indian team thus desperately needs a win in the last one to keep the qualification scenario in their own hands.
The only team that can stop India is Sri Lanka, who will have a fair chance by white-washing New Zealand (2 Test Matches) in case India has to settle for a draw or worse loses.
Too much action to be unveiled! The fourth test starts on 9th March at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.