Picture Credit: Twitter
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has expressed his thoughts on the Thee Lions’ recently-concluded pink-ball Test against India in Ahmedabad. The action under the lights at the world’s largest cricket stadium lasted just two days as India completed 10-wicket win over England.
After the visitors were bundled out for 112 in the first innings, India also endured an underwhelming display with the bat. The hosts added just 46 runs to their overnight score of 99/3 on Day 2 as Joe Root (5/8) and Jack Leach (4/54) wreaked havoc.
Despite limiting India to 33-run lead, England followed it up with another dramatic collapse in their second innings. Axar Patel completed his 10-wicket haul and was duly supported by Ravichandran Ashwin to bowl out visitors for 81. India then chased down 49 runs without losing a wicket to wrap up the contest before end of Day 2.
Batting was awful from both teams: Pietersen
Following the conclusion of the game, Pietersen did not hold himself back from lashing out at the batting on display. The former England batter refrained from blaming the wicket and believes it was just dreadful batting from the sides instead.
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Picture Credit: Twitter[/caption]
Pietersen also commented that better batting would’ve ensured the game did not wind up before the end of Day 2.
“What I’m going to say about the Test match is that the batting was dreadful. The batting was awful from both the teams,” Pietersen opined.
“I think if they are honest with themselves, they will admit that they batted poorly. 21 of the 30 dismissals came from straight deliveries.
“There was nothing dangerous in the wicket, they just needed better batting. Better batting is what could’ve taken it to Day 3 and maybe Day 4.”
As a result of their defeat, England have been knocked out of the race for a place in the final of the ICC World Test Championship final. India need to avoid defeat in the final Test starting March 4 to qualify for final against New Zealand.