The ongoing India vs. England first Test at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad has stirred controversy due to the nature of the pitch. Since the opening day, experts have expressed dissatisfaction with a surface favoring spinners. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen, during commentary on the first day, criticized the pitch for providing excessive turn to spinners. However, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, also in the commentary box, disagreed and pointed towards what he perceived as flaws in the “technique” of the England batters.
Pietersen remarked during the last session of Day 2, “Look at the way Jadeja’s first two deliveries turned. That’s Day 1 of a Test match. The ball shouldn’t be turning that much.” In response, Gavaskar argued, “It’s not as if the ball was spinning and bouncing. Look at the dismissals. Crawly caught at mid-on, Root out sweeping. The technique was not good. It wasn’t turning and bouncing that much. When you play Test cricket and come to India, you have to expect the ball to turn from Day 1. You can’t expect the ball to go straight through.”
England was dismissed for 246 runs on the opening day, with Indian spinners claiming 8 wickets. India, in response, ended the day at 119 for 1.
On the following day, India reached 421 for 7 before Stumps were called. The team, led by Rohit Sharma, was eventually bowled out for 436, taking a lead of 190 runs.
Despite India’s strong position, England made a comeback on Day 3, posting 316 for 6 by the end of play, with Ollie Pope remaining unbeaten at 148.
