India vs England 2021: “Worst surface I’ve seen” – Jofra Archer hits out at Chennai pitch


India vs England 2021: “Worst surface I’ve seen” – Jofra Archer hits out at Chennai pitch
Jofra Archer

England pacer Jofra Archer has hit out at the pitch in Chennai during the first Test against India and stated that it was probably the worst he has ever played in. The pitch was the center of attention even before play began as the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) had hired a curator with no prior experience in designing pitches for international matches. Further, there were reports that the pitch could be green like in England.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, when the match began, the same was disproved and the pitch proved to be flat as ever on the first two days and the England batters made merry. The surface then started deteriorating as play went on and by the fifth day, it became near unplayable for batsmen. There was dust puffing out with each delivery and there was uneven bounce leading to a plethora of dismissals.

Jofra Archer speaks out on Chennai pitch

Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer addressed the Chennai pitch in a column he wrote for the Daily Mail. “On the fifth day, it was probably the worst surface I’ve seen — its orange colour, bits missing, rough patches for the bowlers to aim at. When we walked out in search of nine wickets on the fifth day, I was very hopeful we would complete the job — although these Indian players have big reputations and are at home, so should be able to cope with conditions better than anyone. So, I didn’t expect us to skittle them. Equally, I didn’t expect it to finish not long after afternoon drinks,” wrote Archer.

Speaking about the next three Tests and England’s policy of rotating bowlers, “There are only three days between Tests, and we use a rotation policy for the fast bowlers, but I have played back-to-back Tests before and, even though the heat can be taxing here, I know I can perform to the same level again,” Archer wrote.

ADVERTISEMENT

The second Test begins on February 13 and will take place in Chennai.

Also Read: India vs England 2021: Preventive measures being undertaken as fans allowed in the second Test in Chennai