Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen recently shared his worries on X about the decline in proper batting techniques in Test cricket. Pietersen pointed out that batters are now more focused on hitting boundaries aggressively, which, he believes, is causing a drop in traditional skills. He tweeted, “No one should be surprised by the lack of batting application and technique in Test Match cricket. Cricket is a ‘smackers’ game now, and there is a disintegration of Test Match batting skill in the game. When it comes to playing spin, the only way is to spend hours and hours practicing against it. There’s no quick remedy!”
Pietersen’s comments echo the views of cricket fans who feel that the focus on T20 and limited-overs formats is hurting the art of Test batting. His advice to spend more time practicing against spin highlights the importance of batters dedicating time and effort to improve in the longer format.
As cricket evolves, Pietersen’s remarks remind us of the value of traditional batting skills and the need for balance across all formats.
Recently, India was defeated by New Zealand (NZ) in a Test series at home, losing all three matches and struggling against spin. In the third match, India was chasing 147 runs but quickly fell to 29/5. Rishabh Pant fought back with a half-century (64 runs off 57 balls, with nine fours and a six), keeping India in the game. After he got out, India lost momentum and was all out for 121 runs. Ajaz Patel (6/57) took six important wickets, and Phillips (3/42) supported well with timely dismissals.
Earlier, New Zealand was all out for 174 runs, with Ravindra Jadeja (5/55) and Ravichandran Ashwin (3/62) bowling effectively. Will Young’s half-century (51 off 100 balls, with two fours and a six) was the highlight of NZ’s innings. India took a lead of 28 runs after making 263 in their first innings, responding to NZ’s 235.
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In India’s first innings, they struggled early at 84/4, but a partnership of 96 runs between Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant (60 off 59 balls, with eight fours and two sixes) helped them recover. Gill scored a solid 90 off 146 balls, with seven fours and a six. Washington Sundar also contributed with 38 not out off 36 balls, including four fours and two sixes, pushing India to a 28-run lead.
Ajaz Patel (5/103) was the top bowler for NZ, while Phillips, Ish Sodhi, and Matt Henry took one wicket each.
In NZ’s first innings, they chose to bat after winning the toss. Spinners Jadeja (5/65) and Sundar (4/81) led India’s attack, but half-centuries from Will Young (71 off 138 balls, with four fours and two sixes) and Daryl Mitchell (82 off 129 balls, with three fours and three sixes) took NZ to 235. An 87-run partnership between Young and Mitchell helped NZ reach a decent score.