Everyone has been stunned by the sudden desire of cricket legend Virat Kohli to call it quits with the Indian Test cricket fraternity. Kohli wrote to the BCCI and expressed his desire to retire from the red-ball format. Although the BCCI has asked him to reconsider his decision to retire, as a very important series of the World Test Championship 2025-2027 leg will take place in England, and the absence of Virat Kohli’s expertise and experience can cost India the series. But it seems like playing against England in this 5-match series can benefit a lot from this tour.
Introduction of Bazball
The SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries are infamous for their resilient nature towards the Asian batters who are more used to the spin friendly conditions. The offer significant bounce and movement for the fast bowlers, especially. But the English pitches have seen a noticeable shift towards a more batter-friendly trend. Due to the introduction of Bazball, English pitches are transforming into a much flatter and a high scoring venue.
Earlier English Pitches
For their balanced nature, English pitches were characterised by features that place them prominently on the grounds of the SENA countries, having unique conditions that are rarely noted elsewhere in the region. Although the bounce was not as pronounced as in South Africa and Australia, it is reliable and can test a batter’s patience. The chief strength of England’s pitches used to be their seam and swing action, a prevailing attribute during summer with weather patterns and the Duke’s ball spotlighting sideswipage through the air and off the surface. As situations change and the pitch dries up, over time spin tactics became viable with significant turn ever apparent, especially in the final two days of the game. The outcome is that English pitches prove unpredictable obstacles in the path of both batter and bowler alike.
Changing Trends
In the last few seasons, the playing surfaces in England have favored batters for a variety of reasons. Improvements in drainage practices have greatly accelerated the drying rate, reducing moisture levels and helping to firm pitches up and reduce their reactivity. According to the ESPNcricinfo reports, groundsmen are decreasing the amount of grass on pitches, which leads to less movement on – seam and easier for batters to score runs. There is also a gathering wave in the sport, particularly in shorter forms, in favor of pitches with less seam and a slower running rate, which favors matches where scoring should be emphasized. Also, the transition to Kookaburra balls with reduced swing is another factor that will make the game more convenient for the batter.
