IND vs ENG: Won't Complain About Spinning Pitches - Ollie Pope Starts Mind Games Ahead Of India Tests
Published - 13 Jan 2024, 07:17 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:25 AM
England vice-captain Ollie Pope mentioned that his team won’t complain even if India produces rank-turners in the upcoming five-match Test series. Olie Pope commented on the strategic use of pitches by the home team, drawing a comparison to English pitches.
The England team will tour India for a five-match Test series as part of the ongoing WTC 2023-25 cycle. The spotlight will be on pitch preparation for the upcoming series as the hosts have announced four specialist spinners in their attack for the first two matches.
It’s About Finding A Method To Combat It – Ollie Pope
Ollie Pope said that pitch conditions may favor spinners in the upcoming series against India. Pope highlighted the excitement of low-scoring Test matches, and the team will focus on finding effective methods to counter opposing spinners.
“In England we might leave more grass on the pitch to suit our amazing seamers, so it’s no surprise if India do the same to suit their spinners. And I actually think low-scoring Test matches are pretty amazing to watch,” Ollie Pope was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
“I saw a fair bit of South Africa versus India and it was great: guys scoring seriously tough runs and the ball flying through. The scores could be similar in India but if the pitches spin from ball one we won’t be complaining. It’s about finding a method to combat it.”
The second Test between India and South Africa concluded within two days. Team India secured victory by seven wickets, making it the shortest Test match in history. It’s worth mentioning that the first Test of the series at Centurion also ended within three days.
There Will A Lot Of Outside Noise -Ollie Pope
The Young England batter anticipates that the pitches in the series will be a significant topic of discussion in India, but both teams will compete on the same surface. Pope emphasized the importance of being well-prepared to play against quality Indian bowlers.
“There will be a lot of outside noise. And pitches can be a massive talking point. But you have to remember the two teams are playing on the exact same wicket, so we just need to be as well equipped as we can,” Pope further added.
The England team suffered a 1-3 loss in their previous tour of India in 2021. The visiting team began the four-match series with a win in the opener. However, England suffered three consecutive losses as the batters encountered challenges against Indian spin bowlers.
The Test series is set to kick off in Hyderabad from January 25-29, followed by the second match in Visakhapatnam from February 2-6. Subsequent matches are scheduled for Rajkot (February 15-19), Ranchi (February 23-27), and Dharamsala (March 7-11).
England achieved their last victory on Indian soil during the 2012–13 tour, claiming a 2-1 win in the four-match Test series led by Sir Alastair Cook. However, their subsequent tours to India in 2017 and 2021 resulted in losses, with scores of 4-0 and 3-1, respectively.
Also read: Ollie Pope Reckons England Will Follow Bazball Approach During Test Series Against India
