Eng panicked against spin: Chappell

New Delhi, Feb. 28: India figured out England’s general “ineptitude against spin” during the second Test in Chennai and used it to their advantage in the ‘Pink Ball’ game by unleashing a spin-heavy attack on a helpful track, says former Australia captain Ian Chappell.

“India’s decision to select three spinners for the Test was prompted by England’s batting on a tricky Chennai pitch, where their batsmen — Joe Root excepted — displayed a distinct ineptitude against spin,” Chappell wrote in a column in ESPNcricinfo.

“India correctly calculated that would result in mental scarring and used it to their advantage.”

Chappell said it was poor defence which led to England’s collapse in the third Test.

“When faced with a serious spin challenge, the England batsmen didn’t trust their defence, which eventually resulted in panicked attempts to attack the Indian spinners,” he wrote.

“How can a risky premeditated shot be less dangerous than what was previously a trusted technique to unsettle good spinners?,” he questioned.

Chappell said “Shrewd use of footwork not only helps negate the spin but also puts a batsman in a position to direct the ball where he wants.”

“To be fair, this is a skill to be learned at a young age. Which prompts the question: why is it not widely taught in England, where sweeping is misguidedly touted as the secret to playing spin bowling successfully?

Ollie Pope had decided to use his feet against the Indian spinners but Chappell said “he had the right idea but the wrong execution.”

“Pope was conscious of the keeper as he tentatively ventured out of his crease, which meant he was worried he would miss the delivery. That results in footwork that hinders rather than helps.”