New Delhi: The Indian bowlers endured a frustrating day three of the second Test match against the West Indies on Saturday 22 July at Trinidad’s Queen’s Park Oval. A rainy day saw the West Indies add just 143 runs from 67 overs for a total of 229/5. The pitch was flat for batsmen and too slow for bowlers.
Indian bowlers struggled at Queen’s Oval pitch
The Indian bowlers, both pacers and spinners, have struggled to replicate their achievements in the first Test in Dominica on the slow-moving Trinidad pitch. The pacers had no real movement with the ball, but spin duo Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja struggled to spin the ball towards the wickets.
Indian bowling coach on pitch condition
India’s bowling coach and former cricketer Paras Mhambrey called Trinidad’s pitch “flat” after the third day’s game. He said it would be a real challenge for Indian bowlers to bowl the first innings in the West Indies, adding that it would take a lot of effort for the bowlers.
“The wicket should be a playing field with opportunities in all divisions, whether batting or bowling.” “If we go to either extreme… Dominica turned a little bit. Given the number of our bowlers, we could do better with that wicket,” Mhambrey told the station.
“With this wicket it is very difficult to pick 20 wickets. The first task is to throw them in the first innings and then see where the game is. Then we reconsider what to do after the second innings.”
These wickets are challenging and represent a lot of effort for the bowler. The wickets should not be so flat,” he added. Jadeja defeated India on a wicket from Taghierin Chanderpour in 35 overs, while Ashwin chose a prized wicket from Craig Brathwaite, who scored 75 for 235.
Mukesh Kumar successful international debut
Mukesh Kumar, who debuted for team Indian in white jersey bowled only 14 overs across two days. Kumar successfully scalped the wicket of another debutant Kirk McKenzie’s to kick off his international career.
Mhambrey praised the 29-year-old pacer and said Kumar put all his efforts behind the ball even pitch was not helping the bowlers.
Mhambrey further added, “I think he bowled very well. Given the conditions and the way he has gone about putting everything behind the ball that is very heartening to see and that is what is expected from him and from the team management this is what we wanted. Just to give his best and this is what he has done.”
