ENGLAND LEFT IN A TAILSPIN
Pitch black for Root and Co
ENGLAND are fighting for little more than scraps in Chennai after being completely outfoxed by India on a spinner’s paradise.
Skittled for 134 in their first innings, a resigned-looking England coughed up a 195-run deficit that was extended beyond any likely chasing target by stumps on day two of the second Test.
But just because the tourists have accepted the pitch is one of the more challenging they will play on, the lack of skill to cope with it is something to work on, rather than to point blame.
Batting coach Graham Thorpe did that by keeping his comments away from whingeing-pom territory.
He said: “It’s a very challenging surface. In terms of me commenting on the pitch, I think that’s for someone above me to look at.
“They’re a very skilled spin attack in their own conditions. It was a very good toss to win.
“The guys have plans but they didn’t happen for us. There were good deliveries in there, unfortunate dismissals, some good catches.”
Most of the disquiet about the pitch came from former players such as Sir Andrew Strauss, Michael Vaughan, Mark Waugh and Matt Prior.
But the lone voice of reason – former spinner Graeme Swann – had another point of view.
He said: “I have no problem at all with a pitch offering this much spin.
“We prepare green pitches to suit our bowlers at home when deemed necessary so it’s fair game. We should be taking notes on how to excel from Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant and Ravi Ashwin.” He is right because India have been far more skilful in every department.
Only the recalled Ben Foakes managed to find a way to stay in the middle for long. He made 42 not out as the rest crumbled, including the remarkable Joe Root for six.
Ashwin, who claimed his 29th five-wicket Test haul, said: “When you play spin you have to give it to the bowler, bide your time and cash in later. It is another form of art.”