England sent spinning amid pitch controversy

Former England cricket captain Sir Alastair Cook admitted it was tough to watch the “mayhem” of India’s rapid victory in the day-night Test due to the state of the Ahmedabad pitch.

Seventeen wickets fell in just two sessions as batsmen on both sides were left in a spin by the pink ball.

England captain Joe Root claimed five for eight as the hosts were dismissed for 145, but the tourists were then bowled out for just 81 as spinner Axar Patel took his match haul to 11 wickets.

India chased down a victory total of 49 under lights, with Rohit Sharma ending the most remarkable of days with a six to seal a comprehensive victory for the hosts.

Cook called India worthy winners – but felt the state of the pitch made for uncomfortable viewing.

“It was an amazing Test match – all action, mayhem.

“It doesn’t look great when India win by 10 wickets because it was a lot closer than that actually,” England’s leading Test run-scorer said on Channel 4.

“India deserved the win. Obviously they are better in those conditions, but it was a tough Test match to watch.

“The pitch had such a big influence on that.

“That was so hard playing against spin today. India lost seven for 40 when the pressure was on, England were all out for 80. That is incredibly hard to bat against.

“I was sitting here thinking how would I have played against certain balls, what gameplan.

“I can’t work out a lowrisk strategy that would have been successful – unless you have a lot of luck.

“The better side won, and that’s fair play to India, but there’s something that doesn’t quite sit right.”

England captain Joe Root claimed five for eight.