Former England seamer Stuart Broad discovered himself pondering the strategic determination behind India‘s choice of preparing a slow and low track in Ranchi for the ongoing fourth Test. The traditional flat pitches so far in the series were replaced by a dry track with variable bounce, favoring the spinners and bringing them back into the game. Broad expressed his surprise on the social platform X, questioning the rationale behind opting for a rank-turner, especially when England had little to no success on flatter surfaces in the last two games.
India’s Take a look at collection rollercoaster: From Hyderabad defeat to Ranchi problem
The Take a look at collection between India and England has been a rollercoaster of performances, feelings, and pitch dynamics. Following a 28-run defeat within the first Take a look at in Hyderabad on a turning wicket, India bounced again strongly, securing back-to-back victories in Vizag and Rajkot to say a 2-1 lead. The change in pitch situations to extra batting-friendly surfaces appeared to neutralize the impression of the inexperienced English spinners.
Ranchi’s twist: The return of spin
Nonetheless, Ranchi has launched a twist within the story. The choice to organize a dry observe with variable bounce has seemingly introduced England again into the sport. Profitable a vital toss, England posted a aggressive whole of 353, fueled by Joe Root‘s masterful century. The Ranchi pitch, favouring spinners, proved challenging for the Indian batters, and they found themselves struggling at 219/7 by the end of Day 2.
Also WATCH: Sarfaraz Khan funnily sledges Shoaib Bashir on Day 2 of the Ranchi Test; English spinner responds in Hindi
Stuart Broad’s question: Pitch technique underneath scrutiny
Broad expressed shock and raised questions on X relating to India’s determination to organize a rank-turner in Ranchi. Given India’s impeccable report on flat surfaces, the selection of a sluggish and low observe prompted Broad to replicate on the strategic considering behind such a choice.
“I mainly tweet about England- but looking at India. They’re an amazing team on flat Test pitches in India where their spinners skill comes into it & they out bowl other teams. Playing on pitches that roll along the floor brings in the opposition so much more. I can’t understand why they’ve prepared a pitch like this?,” Broad wrote.
I primarily tweet about England- however taking a look at India. They’re an incredible group on flat Take a look at pitches in India the place their spinners talent comes into it & they out bowl different groups. Enjoying on pitches that roll alongside the ground brings within the opposition a lot extra. I can’t perceive…
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) February 24, 2024
Trailing by 134: India’s uphill job on Day 3
Because the collection heads into Day 3 in Ranchi, India faces the problem of bridging the hole, trailing by 134 runs. The low bounce nature of the Ranchi observe has created difficulties for the Indian batters. The efficiency on Day 3, notably by gamers like Dhruv Jurel and Kuldeep Yadav, will probably be essential in figuring out India’s response and their prospects within the the rest of the Take a look at collection.