Ahmedabad Pitch Was Challenging But The Batsmen Lacked Application And Technique: VVS Laxman

Former Indian middle-order batsman VVS Laxman has revealed his take on the Ahmedabad pitch used for the third Test between India and England. The track utilized for the pink-ball Test in Ahmedabad between the two sides drew criticism from plenty of former cricketers as it lasted less than two days. VVS Laxman reckons that the pitch was indeed challenging and batsmen’s application and technique were put to the test.

As many as 13 wickets fell on day one as England managed only 112 in their innings after electing to bat first. India, who finished day one on 99-3, crumbled to 145, gaining a slender lead of 33. But the visitors scraped through to 81 in the second innings, resulting in a 49-run target for India, who won it by ten wickets. Spinners ruled the roost as Axar Patel took 11 wickets in the match and Joe Root snared his maiden fifer.

VVS Laxman agreed that the pitch was challenging; however, it also tested batsmen’s patience, determination, and technique to the maximum limit. The 134-Test veteran stated that it’s normal to get challenging wickets when playing international cricket.

“Definitely the pitch was a very challenging one but also the application and the technique was tested as far as the batsmen are concerned. You get challenging wickets when you are playing international cricket,” Laxman told on the Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected.

Players will be disappointed with the technique they showed: VVS Laxman

The 46-year old further stated that different continents have various pitch attributes and sub-continent countries, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and India – all three are expected to produce turners. Thus, Laxman feels that players would be disappointed at not displaying the application or technique against the turning ball or the ability to grind through during those tough faces.

“Sometimes when you go to Australia, you get a lot of cracks on the surface. When you go to England, you get seaming tracks and when you come to India or play in the subcontinent – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or India – you expect turners. So I think that’s when the players will be disappointed that the technique they showed against the turning ball or the application they showed to grind through the tough period was definitely not there,” he added.

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