England skipper Joe Root has backed up Rohit Sharma after he slammed critics who complained of the behaviors of the Chepaul pitch and also spoke about the advantage of home conditions. Indian opener Rohit asked critics to speak about the game and the players more than criticising the Chepauk pitch after India’s win in the second Test in Chennai. India’s 317-run win in the second Test allowed the team to make a comeback in the series. India now needs to win one and draw one to book a place in the World Test Championship final. 

Ahead of the third Test, Rohit Sharma spoke about the Chepauk pitch controversy and pointed out that India never complains about the 22 yards when they play overseas. Also, Rohit asserted that every team has the right to home advantage and the Indian team did just that. 

“When we go out other countries don’t think about us, so why should we think about others. We should make pitches according to the preference of our team. This is what it means home and away advantage, otherwise, this should be taken out. Tell ICC to make a rule that pitches should be prepared the same everywhere,” Rohit had said in a virtual presser.

Everyone Deserves Home Advantage: Joe Root

Meanwhile, Root defended Rohit’s comments that every team deserves home advantage which poses a challenge for opponents in overseas conditions. He further said that this is what makes Test cricket interesting as well. 

“Everyone deserves home advantage, I do believe that. Wherever you go in the world, it’s going to be difficult and I quite like that. It’s one of the intricacies of Test cricket and makes it such a beautiful game. You’re going to have to have a well-rounded squad of players” Root was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo. 

Speaking about the second Test in Chennai, where Indian spinners posed a serious challenge to England batsmen Root admitted that the pitch might not have been brilliant but England didn’t deserve to win either with the kind of performance they produced in difficult conditions.

“In terms of last week, I don’t think it was a brilliant pitch but I don’t think we deserved to win, either. I don’t think the toss determined it. If we’re going to become the No. 1 side in the world, we’re going to have to manage that better,” Root said.