IND vs ENG: India Coach Shuts Down Ben Stokes’ Pitch Blame
India coach hits back at Ben Stokes’ pitch claim, says ball moved even on Day 5 at Edgbaston.
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has hit back at England skipper Ben Stokes after his “subcontinental pitch” remark following India’s thumping 336-run win in the second Test at Edgbaston.
Stokes had blamed the nature of the pitch for England’s batting collapse, saying it behaved like a “subcontinent surface” as the game progressed. The comment didn’t sit well with fans and has now drawn a strong response from the Indian camp.
“Didn’t Look Like a Subcontinental Wicket” – Kotak
Ahead of the third Test at Lord’s, Kotak was asked about Stokes’ comment during a press conference. The India coach dismissed the pitch excuse and said India’s bowlers simply outperformed England.
“Personally, it didn’t look like a subcontinental wicket to me. Whenever our bowlers bowled, the ball moved. Even in the second innings, the ball was moving even after 40 overs,” Kotak said.
He also pointed out that the final day’s spin had more to do with footmarks than any special preparation for turn.
“On the last day, maybe, the ball was turning a little. When you prepare such a hard wicket with grass, it won’t create rough but it will have footmarks, which help with the turn. I think they tried to make a hard batting wicket,” he added.
India’s spinners made full use of the footmarks. Ravindra Jadeja turned the game after lunch, and Washington Sundar’s wicket of Stokes in the final over before the break proved to be the turning point.
The win helped India level the five-match series 1-1, and now all eyes are on the third Test starting July 10 at Lord’s.
