Table of Contents
During the memorable 2012 Test series in India, where England clinched victory, Kevin Pietersen played a pivotal role, notably with his exceptional innings of 186 on a challenging track in the second Test held in Mumbai. This innings proved to be a turning point as England eventually secured the series 2-1.
Kevin Pietersen significant advice for Ben Stokes and co.
In an insightful interview with former England captain Michael Atherton for The Times, Pietersen delved into how he effectively countered the threat posed by Ravichandran Ashwin during that series. Moreover, he offered valuable advice to Ben Stokes and the current England squad as they gear up to face the formidable duo of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the upcoming five-match Test series against India starting on January 25.
Way to deal with the threat of Ravichnadran Ashwin
Pietersen particularly focused on the nuances of playing spin on rank turners in India. With India fielding a formidable spin quartet comprising Ashwin, Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, Pietersen reminisced about his significant innings in Mumbai. He shared insights into his strategic approach of taking on Ashwin through the off side, successfully deciphering the spinner’s elusive ‘doosra,’.
“I picked Ashwin’s ‘doosra’. He used to load the ball at the back of his run-up, and I think he still does that now. He never ran up with the ball in his hand as an off spinner and changed it late for the doosra; you can’t do that. He loaded it up early. I was 100 per cent confident when he was going to bowl it and you’d see how many times I hit him over the off side. I’d see the doosra at the back of his mark and, because he had a stacked leg-side field because the ball was turning so much, I’d think ‘four or six,” Pietersen said.
Also READ: From Virat Kohli to James Anderson: 7 players to watch out for in India vs England Test series
Suggestion regarding Ravindra Jadeja
While acknowledging Ashwin’s threat, Pietersen also highlighted the challenges posed by the left-arm finger spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. He stressed that facing Jadeja requires a specific technique. Pietersen’s advice to England batters is to avoid getting out bowled or lbw against Jadeja and Axar, recognizing their potential impact on the series.
“I faced Jadeja a lot. It’s about technique. Jadeja is not Murali and he’s not Shane Warne. He’s a left-arm spinner that bowls it one way and occasionally gets the ball to slide on. If your technique is solid enough to play the ball that skids on, you should be fine. If your feet are good, and you are not planting your front foot and you are playing down the line of the ball, you should be fine. Just make sure you are not getting bowled or lbw,” the 43-year-old concluded.
