Rajkot rolls out flat deck for third Test between India and England

Rajkot has laid out the wicket for the third Test between India and England. Looks like it would be a flat wicket with a little bit of assistance for the bowlers. From the looks of the wicket, it does seem like the pitch does not deteriorate much even with the progression of the game. Till the last day, the pitch is likely to play out well. 

Barring the first Test at Hyderabad, where there was some assistance for the spinners, the other two pitches in the series have been good for the batters so far. In the second Test at Vizag, the bowlers did not have much in the wicket. The brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah helped India to win the Test match. Rajkot is likely to assist the batters for the first four days. 

Traditionally, Rajkot has laid out batting-friendly wickets for the batter across all the formats. It seems to be nothing different this time around. For the same reason, England has gone with two pacers for the first time in the series. The wicket is likely to suit the way England have played in the last few years. ‘Bazball’ might be an advantage at Rajkot.

 ‘I hope it helps the spinners who play’ – Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav, who was in the press conference ahead of the 3rd Test believed Rajkot would roll out a good wicket. As it turned out, a flat wicket has been rolled out. Kuldeep wondered why a rank turner has not been laid in India till now in the series against England. “It is not going to be a rank turner but will be a good wicket. I hope it helps the spinners who play,” Kuldeep hoped. 

Speaking about ‘Bazball’, Kuldeep claimed it to be an enjoyable way of batting. He claimed that the way England bat provides bowlers the opportunity to claim wickets. “When they play shots, you have many opportunities to take wickets. It’s interesting. The last game was my first [against Bazball], I enjoyed it a lot, it’s good for cricket,” said Kuldeep in his statement.