Team India fans in Thiruvananthapuram looked dejected and disappointed. They came from a long distance with an expectation of seeing a run feast. However, South African batters fell a pack of cards in a lop-sided contest. In the end, India registered an eight-wicket win with ease, to lead the series 1-0, with 2 games to play.
Two big wickets for @y_umesh 💥💥
Steve Smith and Maxwell back in the hut.
Live – https://t.co/ZYG17eC71l #INDvAUS @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/WWEe9bs3Go
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 20, 2022
The curator of the pitch invited criticism from fans for not preparing a batter-friendly wicket. However, the experienced curator, Biju said his team had prepared a batting wicket, but the pitch changed its course due to slight drizzles that spread over the Kerala capital. The dew factor also came into play, which meant the pitch lose its initial shape.
India need to play on bouncy wickets
The Aussies’ wickets are expected to assist the batters. ICC has already sent instructions to prepare wickets that assist the batters, as fans usually prefer to see run feasts and not dead encounters. So, several analysts would seriously think about the logic to prepare bowling-friendly wickets in this time period.
Preps ✅
Time to hit the ground running 👏 👏
3⃣, 2⃣, 1⃣ & Here We Go! 👍 👍
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— BCCI (@BCCI) September 25, 2022
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Even though Australia might prepare friendly wickets, the bounce could be a critical factor. The teams may use short-pitched balls as a weapon against the free-flowing Indian batters. This could make scoring difficult for the team. As a result, it is better to get used to such conditions and gain familiarity before going into the big event.
Indian batters against swing bowling
Australian wickets may hardly offer swing, and this could mean Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh need to try out a few new variations before the WC. This is because both bowlers rely heavily on the swing. Their lack of pace would mean the ball would come slowly onto the bat, which would give extra time for the batters to play.
B. O. O. M! ⚡️ ⚡️@Jaspritbumrah93 strikes to dismiss Aaron Finch with a cracker of a yorker. 👍 👍#TeamIndia are chipping away here in Nagpur! 👏 👏
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— BCCI (@BCCI) September 23, 2022
Indian batters would vary of speedsters like Shaheen Afridi, who mix up the pace with the swing. Such bowlers are challenging to face, even in relatively easy wickets. India had one such bowler in Bumrah, and his participation remains doubtful with an injury.
