The second match of the Test series between India and England is being played in Chennai. On the third day, Team India scored 156 runs in the second innings, losing 6 wickets till lunch. The team has so far taken a lead of 351 runs over England. Currently, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin are at the crease. There was a 50-run partnership between the two. The second test has witnessed a total opposite of what happened in the first test.
While England defeated India in the first test, the turning pitch from day 3 when India started their innings became the deciding factor. Coming to the ongoing test, England Cricket Team is struggling to bat and put India under pressure on the turning track of the Chepauk. England in their first inning was all out at 134.
Following this, England's former skipper Michael Vaughan has slammed the second test pitch of the Chepauk stadium. In an interview with cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle, Vaughan said, "When u play sweep like Root, look at Sri Lanka, look at the first test match. The ball was bouncing consistently, you can control the sweep a little bit better. When it's not bouncing consistently, which is happening in this game it's very very difficult to play the sweep shot. I don't think it's a good test wicket. When the ball is taking chunks out the pitch from day 1 and then more chunks out the pitch on day 2 that's not the pitch that lasts five days. I am the first to criticize England, I remember that we played against Indi at Lords very much green tops. I nearly got lost during the pitch, the grass was that long. but India won the game because they played great cricket."
Also Read: Ind Vs England Day 3: India 351 runs ahead, Kohli-Ashwin stabilize India on turning track
Following this, England's former off-spinner Graeme Swann took to Twitter and did not agree with the former England captain Michael Vaughan. Swann wrote, "I have no problem at all with a pitch offering this much spin (hardly a surprise naturally). We prepare green pitches to suit our bowlers at home when deemed necessary so it’s fair game. We should be taking notes on how to excel from @ImRo45 @RishabhPant17 and @ashwinravi99."
Following this, former English wicket-keeper Matt Prior slammed Swann and said, "When have we ever been able to prepare a green pitch? Always did the complete opposite because the club CEO wanted it to go five days! 100% agree on taking notes though. Any chance of you being able to speak to and help our spinners at all??"
Swann replied, "The lords pitch against india just after i’d finished was greener than a toddlers bogey. It backfired horribly as we bowled first, got pumped and India won but it was still an emerald strip made to order. I think I’m still considered a maverick so they haven’t asked me back."