Rahul Dravid says “This was probably lower & slower than anything I have ever experienced here” in IND vs NZ 2021

On the feeble Kanpur pitch for the first Test against New Zealand, India head coach Rahul Dravid believes there are only two ways to get batters out. He praised his bowlers, however, for bringing the game to the wire in what could have been a dull match.

With only one wicket remaining, New Zealand eked out a hard-fought draw despite dwindling light, three great Indian spinners, and a subcontinent track. Even on Day 5, Rahul Dravid, who has played at Green Park Stadium. It perplexed as to why there was no turn and bounce on offer.

“It probably was low and slow, probably didn’t have that much bounce, didn’t have turn. Yeah, you probably expect a little bit more wear and tear on these wickets in Indian conditions, over the course of five days. This didn’t seem to have that kind of bite,” Dravid said at the post-match press conference.

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Axar Patel bowled with the old ball until the 85th over. When they switched to the new ball and had fielders swarming around the batsmen, but to no avail. Because of the lack of carry and turn, bowlers could only aim to get batsmen bowled or LBW, according to Rahul Dravid.

“Generally in India, on Days 5, you can challenge both edges – at least spinners can certainly challenge both the outside edge for the catches and beat people on the inside edge and get the LBWs. But honestly, in this game, the outside edge was virtually ruled out. Even till the last day, none of the edges carried. I can’t remember a catch close to the bat – I think Bharat took a couple – but other than that, nothing else.

“It sort of felt just like there were only two ways to get people out – bowled and LBW – which was probably true in the last session. So I think we did a great job. Inspite of that to be able to prize out 9 wickets on the last day. But yeah it tough, we expect it to be tough in Kanpur. I have played here before, I know wickets here can be tough. But yeah, this was probably lower and slower than anything I have ever experienced here,” the legendary batsman elaborated.

No. 11 on the list Ajaz Patel (2* off 23) and debutant Rachin Ravindra (18* off 91) fought through 52 deliveries in a valiant rearguard battle before the game called off due to poor lighting.

Read more: India vs New Zealand: Ravichandran Ashwin says “Hop and skip and keep going”

Visit also: IND vs NZ 2021: Ravichandran Ashwin (418 wickets) surpassed Harbhajan Singh’s tally of 417 wickets

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