Former England spinner Monty Panesar has come up with an important observation ahead of the third Test between India and England to be played in Motera from February 24. Both teams head into this Test with the series level at 1-1. Also, they have limited knowledge about the conditions, that will be available at the newly laid Motera wicket for the third Test. This will be India’s third Test day-night Test while England’s fourth encounter of such kind.
Meanwhile, talking to Times of India, Monty Panesar feels that the pink ball neutralises Team India’s home advantage at the Motera. He also highlighted how the Indian batting collapsed the last time India played a Pink-Ball Test.
Also Read: India vs England Pink-Ball Test Preview
Pink-Ball Negates India’s Home Advantage: Monty Panesar
“The pink ball is going to swing and seam at some stage. It is not like the red ball. The pink ball moves in the air, it reverses. This pink ball neutralises India’s home advantage. The question is: whether this Indian team can hold their nerve when the ball moves in the air or reverses and not panic?,” Panesar told the TimesofIndia ahead of the 3rd Test match.
“Quite recently, India were scarred by the pink ball in Adelaide. They were bowled out for 36 – the lowest ever Test score by an Indian team in the history of Indian Test cricket. They are definitely wary of this Test. It is a one-off Test now, a completely different ball game with the pink ball. If the ball starts swinging and seaming, the Indian team will think: is it Adelaide all over again?,” Panesar added.
The pink-ball has a history of doing more under lights and England having the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad can exploit the conditions perfectly.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli also admitted in the press conference that the pink-ball moves a lot under lights also highlighting the fact that they have the bowlers to make the best use of the conditions as well.
Meanwhile, India needs to win one and draw one from the remaining two Test matches to book a place in the World Test Championship final
Also Read: Virat Kohli Should Be Removed From Captaincy If India Lose The Test Series – Monty Panesar
