Can Indian Batters Succeed Outside Flat Pitches? Manjrekar Weighs In!

Mumbai, July 24 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar praised the Indian batting lineup for their performance on the first day of the fourth Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, asserting that their display dispels the myth that they excel only on flat pitches or against weaker bowling attacks.

India capitalized on determined half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and B. Sai Sudharsan, forming essential partnerships with K.L. Rahul and Rishabh Pant, to reach a score of 264/4 in 83 overs before bad light cut play short on Wednesday. Jaiswal scored a steady 58, ensuring that India remained wicketless during the first session, even as the ball swung significantly in the typical English conditions.

Following an afternoon session where England claimed three wickets, Sudharsan and Pant combined for a vital 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket, before Pant had to retire due to a right-foot injury. Sudharsan concluded the day with a score of 61 from 151 balls.

Discussing Day 1 on 'Match Centre Live', Manjrekar reflected on India’s performance:

“Two significant factors played in India’s favor today—undeniably, it was India's day. To those who doubt that this young Indian batting lineup can only thrive on flat pitches or against weakened attacks, today proved otherwise. The conditions were characteristically English with an enhanced bowling attack—Stokes bowled extensively, Liam Dawson was a significant improvement over Shoaib Bashir, and Archer added a competitive edge. Finishing at 264/4 under such circumstances is a commendable batting feat. Thankfully, Rishabh Pant managed to contribute before his injury, and we hope he will return to the crease on Day 2,” said Manjrekar.

Manjrekar also commended Sudharsan for his batting prowess, highlighting that despite his T20 background, his solid fundamentals shone through during his recall to the squad.

“He appeared a bit anxious at first, which is natural after being dropped following the first Test. Such an experience can impact one’s confidence. However, as the innings progressed, he regained his composure. His game is well-structured, and even though he has made a name in T20 cricket, his scoring style exhibits the skills required for Test matches. Batting at No. 3 in challenging conditions after being asked to bat first is no easy feat, but he earned his runs and appears grounded, focused on preparation. This is the type of player likely to build a successful Test career,” Manjrekar added.

Sudharsan, who was reinstated in place of Karun Nair, faced a shaky start, having been dropped on 20. Nevertheless, the left-handed batter advanced impressively, hitting seven boundaries in his innings of 151 balls under challenging conditions.

In the closing session, Sudharsan executed a hook shot off Archer for a four and then followed up with a stylish pull shot for another boundary. He achieved his maiden Test fifty in 174 balls with a well-placed drive through cover off Joe Root for four. However, Stokes' short ball tactic eventually succeeded, as Sudharsan was cramped for room and top-edged a pull to long leg, marking the third time the England captain dismissed him in this series.