Former England captain Kevin Pietersen believes India’s three-day defeat in the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, was due to modern-day batter techniques. He remarked that today’s batters do not understand how to create an innings while growing up.
On a rank turner on Day 3, India needed 124 runs to chase down. However, wickets fell like ninepins as Simon Harmer and his teammates wrecked havoc. The hosts were knocked out for 93. This proved to be the second-lowest target they failed to meet in Test cricket history. Aside from Washington Sundar, who scored 31 off 92 balls, no other batsman shown the tenacity needed to survive in the difficult conditions.
“Seeing the wicket first and then the scores and then the result in Kolkata, it can only be put down to batters’ modern-day techniques…Batters grow up now to hit sixes and play switch-hits. They don’t grow up to build an innings and learn the art of survival,” Pietersen wrote on ‘X’.
Pietersen, on the other hand, refrained from criticizing the players, citing how the need for financial gain has trumped the art of survival against quality spin bowling.
“The player is not to blame at all The priority right now in the game isn’t about survival or the art of playing a spinning ball. The game of cricket is now about bright lights, loud music and a financial return for cricket boards, private equity and private ownership,” the former England batter added.
Michael Vaughan criticises surface, claims India’s defeat was due to poor pitch preparation
Meanwhile, another former England captain, Michael Vaughan, criticized the Indian team, claiming that they deserved to lose after constructing a ground similar to that used against World Test Champions South Africa.
“Prepare a pitch like that and you deserve to lose against the World Test champs …. brilliant win by SA ….” Vaughan wrote on X.
South Africa now has a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second Test will begin on Saturday, November 22, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
