Dhoni is correct, but I can’t see why the batsmen could not score more runs – Javagal Srinath
Legendary pacer Javagal Srinath has come out in support of the green top that was on offer at the Mirpur stadium that witnessed a low-scoring match between arch rivals India and Pakistan. The ex-spearhead has also cited the lack of application by batsmen as the reason for the low scores.
In an exclusive column in the Hindu, Srinath bemoaned the batting- centric game that the sport has become before praising the pitch prepared for the Asia Cup.
“Speaking as much as a former fast bowler as a keen follower of the game, I have been gladdened by what I have seen. For too long now bowlers have been cannon-fodder for the batsmen, especially in the limited-over game. Scores in the region of 200 in 20-over cricket have become the norm, and while there might be some truth to the argument that spectators come to watch fours and sixes, I am sure those who have turned up in Mirpur would have enjoyed the hold the quicker bowlers have had,” the pacer wrote.
Srinath also trashed opinions that the pitch was not conducive for play and wrote, “The scores might suggest otherwise, but I have to point out that these pitches have not been diabolical by any stretch of imagination. The ball isn’t taking off from a length, the bounce is not uneven, there hasn’t been one unplayable delivery that I can recall.
“These are certainly not the 83 or 125 all out pitches that teams have made them out to be”.
Srinath, who hauled in 236 Test wickets and 315 ODI scalps in his illustrious career for India, also laid the blame of the low score on the batsmen and their lack of application than the nature of the pitch.
“The other day after the victory against Pakistan, M. S. Dhoni said these pitches weren’t ideal practice grounds for the World Twenty20. I am sure MS is correct, but at the risk of sounding repetitive, I can’t see anything that is preventing the batsmen from scoring runs.
“One of the great challenges of international cricket is to adapt to conditions. That calls for not just skill but also innate cricketing intelligence. Raised on batting beauties where the ball comes in a straight line, batsmen have been emboldened to hit through the line, play fancy strokes, throw the coaching manual out of the window,” he wrote for the Hindu.
The right-arm quick left with a note of caution to the Indian team before their clash with Sri Lanka today. Despite India holding the psychological edge after defeating the Lankans handsomely 2-1 in the three-match T20 series, he warned that the green track may provide Sri Lanka an advantage in the encounter.
“Green tracks tend to bridge the gulf in talent and experience between teams, and that may work to Sri Lanka’s advantage.
“The onus will be on the Indian top order to negotiate the early threat and provide a platform for an assault in the second half of the innings,” he said before signing off.