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Cricket, often hailed as a game of glorious uncertainties, unfolds its unique charm and challenges most prominently when the battleground transforms into a turning pitch. In the intricate tapestry of this sport, the playing surface holds paramount significance, and the turning pitch adds a fascinating dimension to the contest between bat and ball.
As the ball grips and spins, seemingly with a mind of its own, batters are confronted with a test of skill and technique, while spinners relish the opportunity to weave their magic. Playing on turning pitches demands a nuanced approach, strategic acumen, and a profound understanding of the subtle dance between the willow and leather.
Recognizing mastery on turning tracks
Not many batters can navigate the challenges posed by turning pitches, particularly those in India. However, cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman have left an indelible mark, displaying their prowess against spin.
When it comes to the contemporary era, there are few players who have earned recognition for their ability to tackle spin, which makes it challenging to single out one standout performer. However, former England spinner Monty Panesar, known for his spin wizardry, has identified a batter he deems the ‘Don Bradman of turning wickets.’
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Monty Panesar picks the ‘Don Bradman of turning wickets.’
Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated India-England Test series, Panesar lauded India’s attacking approach against the turning ball. He singled out Indian skipper Rohit Sharma as the pivotal figure, dubbing him the ‘Don Bradman of turning pitches.’ Panesar emphasized the importance of England dismissing Rohit early to disrupt India’s game plan.
“Indian batters are attacking against the turning ball. They are a bit more fearless. The key man for India is going to be Rohit Sharma. He’s the Don Bradman of turning pitches. His record is unbelievable. England have to get Rohit out early right through to have a chance of winning the Test series. If England can keep Rohit quiet, India will be going to Plan B. You then put the younger batters under pressure. That is going to be key,” said Panesar as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Notably, Rohit’s stellar performance in the previous home Test series against England in 2021 substantiates Panesar’s acclaim. Despite challenging conditions, Rohit displayed impeccable technique, amassing 345 runs at an average of 57.50, including a hundred and a half-century.
Panesar heaps praises on Ravichandran Ashwin
Panesar also showered accolades on India’s star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, likening him to an app that continually updates itself. Ashwin, on the brink of reaching 500 Test wickets, earned admiration for his adaptability and ability to evolve his bowling repertoire.
“He has had the mindset to keep adapting and bowling different deliveries. He has kept getting better. It’s not easy all the time to take a lot of wickets on turning pitches. He’s been given turners at home, but you can see the way he adapts all the time. He’s like an app, he keeps updating every six months! That’s what he has done through his career,” added Panesar.
