ENG vs IND: Sunil Gavaskar hits out at England’s green-top strategy for final Test
The buzz around the fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval has gone beyond team selections and strategies, with the pitch conditions becoming a major talking point. The unusually green surface laid out for this decider has triggered curiosity and debate in the cricketing world — and now, one of India’s most respected voices has joined the conversation.
Sunil Gavaskar takes a swipe on green pitch for the fifth Test
Talking on Sony Sports, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar took a sharp dig at England’s bowling setup, claiming that the hosts opted for a green-top at The Oval because they lacked genuine wicket-taking options. According to Gavaskar, with key pacers like Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Brandon Carse unavailable, England were banking on a bowler-friendly surface to boost the effectiveness of names like Josh Tongue. He asserted that the absence of proven strike bowlers forced the team management to manipulate conditions in their favour, rather than relying on skill alone.
“Arrey unke paas koi bowling hain hi nahi (They don’t have much of a bowling attack). this is why they have made such a pitch. Stokes has taken wickets, Archer has taken wickets and Carse has taken wickets. If they are not in your team, who will take wickets? This is why they have made such a pitch so that it helps bowlers like Tongue and Co,” Gavaskar said.
Also WATCH: KL Rahul becomes victim of an unfortunate dismissal on Day 1 of the Oval Test
Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill steadied the Indian ship after early blows
India went into lunch on Day 1 at 72 for 2 after being tested on a lively green pitch at The Oval. England’s pacers made the most of the helpful conditions, removing Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul in the opening session. Gus Atkinson struck early with a sharp nip-backer, while Chris Woakes cleaned up Rahul with a delivery that seamed in. Sai Sudharsan unbeaten 25 and Shubman Gill unbeaten 15 survived the testing spells from Atkinson, Woakes, and Tongue to see India through to lunch. With heavy cloud cover and movement off the deck, batting is expected to remain challenging throughout the day.
