Batsmen Who Can Score Runs On These Pitches, Are The Real Batsmen: Sunil Gavaskar On Tackling Spin-Bowling

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar indeed knows a thing or two about how to play on spinning tracks. Sunil Gavaskar might have made a name for himself by neutralising the quick bowlers from the West Indies, Australia, England of the 1970s and 1980s; however, he was an expert in playing out the spinners too. And the 71-year old has presented his views on the bizarre third Test between India and England.

The third Test between India and England in Ahmedabad finished in two days as both sides’ batsmen crumbled to spin-bowling. Left-arm spinner Axar Patel grabbed 11 wickets in the match, while Joe Root picked up five scalps in the first innings to rattle the batters. But England’s total of 112 and 81 in both innings was way under par as the hosts won by ten wickets to take the lead by 2-1 in the four-match series.

Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar’s expert ability to play spin-bowling reflected in his knock of 96 against Pakistan in Bengaluru in the second innings. Gavaskar faced 264 balls in the fourth innings on a raging turner to lead India’s run-chase of 221. The Mumbai-born batsman’s knock went in vain as Pakistan won it by 16 runs, courtesy of Iqbal Qasim and Tauseef Ahmed snaring four wickets each.

These kinds of pitches, it is a test of your skil;: Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar, who was commentating during the third Test between India and England, believes that batsmen need to use the depth of the crease to tackle spin bowling and that is where the footwork comes into play. With such decks proving to be the test of batsmen’s skill, the ones who could score runs on these are the real batsmen.

“You need to use the depth of your crease (to tackle spin). So, there comes your footwork. On fast bouncy pitches it is more a matter of your courage. These kinds of pitches, it is a test of your skill. Which is the reason the batsmen who can score runs on these pitches, are the real batsmen,” Gavaskar said in commentary.

Also Read: ‘We Need Answers From The ICC’- David Lloyd Lambasts India For Preparing Turners Against England