India vs England 2021: “That’s exactly what home advantage is” – Stuart Broad refuses to criticize Chepauk pitch

India vs England 2021: “That’s exactly what home advantage is” – Stuart Broad refuses to criticize Chepauk pitch

Stuart Broad

Stuart Broad 1
Stuart Broad

The discussions and debate about the pitch in Chennai during the second test between India and England continue even as the third test in Ahmedabad draws near. The pitch proved to be one that turned from day 1 and the English batsmen struggled against the Indian spinners as they slumped to a 317-run defeat even as the Indian batsmen led by Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin were able to score centuries on the pitch.

The likes of Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh stated that the pitch was ‘unplayable’ and termed it a ‘rank-turner’ while stating that such pitches should be avoided. However, the Indian players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli and some of the English players as well have come out in support of the pitch stating that providing adverse conditions to the touring side was what home advantage is.

Stuart Broad addresses Chepauk pitch

Stuart Broad
Stuart Broad

Stuart Broad wrote in his column for the Daily Mail about the Chepauk pitch. “Personally, there should be more for me to work with, if selected (In the pink ball Test). There was nothing in the Chennai pitch on that first day and it was only when I went Anil Kumble and started to get the leg-cutter really jagging off the surface that I felt in the game,” he wrote.

Despite beginning on a slightly critical note, Broad soon stated that he won’t criticize the pitch. He wrote, “There is no criticism of the second Test pitch from our point of view. That’s exactly what home advantage is and you are well within your rights to utilize that. Why wouldn’t India play on pitches that turn square and upon which first innings runs are vital? They outplayed us on a pitch that they are very skilled on but one very alien to us,” concluded Broad.

The third test in Ahmedabad begins on the 24th of February.

Also Read: India vs England 2021: “Pitch is the same for both teams” – Rohit Sharma responds to criticism of Chepauk pitch