The recently concluded India-England Test series saw riveting contest between bat and ball. The pitches dished out offered an excellent balance, with all five matches going to the final day.
In an era where the teams look to make the most of home advantage, this series stood out for producing fair, sporting wickets that drew no major complaints from either side.
Former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar too acknowledged the quality of pitch, emphasizing how this factor can enhance Test cricket.
“I must appreciate the culture of Test cricket in England. There were huge crowds for all the Tests, and the sporting wickets ensured that the result of all five Tests was decided on the fifth and final day. This series, which will be remembered for ages, has revived interest in Test cricket among cricket lovers. It has increased Test cricket’s importance. This shows that if you dish out good pitches, Test cricket can not just survive, but flourish too," Vengsarkar was quoted as saying by TOI.
He suggested the BCCI to replicate this approach for India’s upcoming home series against West Indies and South Africa, cautioning against the “short-sightedness" of preparing pitches only to suit captains and coaches seeking quick wins and WTC points.
“I hope that India do the same in their upcoming international season (two Tests each against West Indies and South Africa) and provide good, sporting wickets for Tests. The BCCI must not pander to the short-sightedness of captains and coaches, who are just looking for short-term gains by winning matches and qualifying for the World Test Championship final," Vengsarkar added.
ICC’s pitch ratings offered a more measured verdict. Of the four matches rated so far, only the Leeds surface from the series opener was deemed “very good" while the pitches for next three Tests at Edgbaston, Lord’s, and Old Trafford were rated “satisfactory." The assessment for The Oval pitch is still awaited.
India won the fifth and final Test at The Oval by a narrow margin of six runs, thereby ending the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in a 2-2 draw.
