Team India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey opened up on West Indies’ defensive batting approach on the third day of the second Test at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad. He shared that the West Indies batters did not attempt to play shots, which hindered India’s chances of taking wickets.
West Indies began day three with 86 runs on the board at the loss of one wicket, in response to India’s 438 runs. Kirk Mckenzie and Kraigg Brathwaite resumed the batting for the hosts. The West Indies batters were cautious with their approach to not lose many wickets in the match. They added just 143 runs in 67 overs, with rains also interrupting play a few times. The hosts ended day three at 229 runs at the loss of five wickets, trailing by 209 runs.
Indian bowling coach Paras Mhambrey spoke to the media following the third day’s play. He expressed that the Indian bowlers were impressive, and added defensive approach by West Indies meant there were less wicket-taking opportunities. Paras Mhambrey said,
“The pitch is very slow, very easy for batting. Towards the end, it started turning a bit. West Indies were defensive with the bat too. When there’s an attempt to play shots, there’s an opportunity to get a wicket but they didn’t even try that. We were quite impressive, our bowlers did whatever was expected of them though.”
Stumps on Day 3 in the second #WIvIND Test! #TeamIndia scalped 5 wickets today 👍 👍
We will see you tomorrow for Day 4 action.
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/d6oETzoH1Z pic.twitter.com/weflaQIWy1
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 22, 2023
Pitches shouldn’t be so flat: Paras Mhambrey
Paras Mhambrey was also critical of the pitch at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Fifteen wickets have fallen so far in the Test match in three days. Mhambrey expressed that the pitch should be sporting in nature, and not flat. He added that getting results on these wickets is difficult, as there is not much help on offer for the bowlers.
“I think the pitch should be sporting,” said Paras Mhambrey.
“There has to be a balance – something for batters and bowlers. Yes, Dominica’s pitch had turned but we utilised the conditions better, the quality of our bowlers allowed us to use it well. On this pitch though it will be hard to take 20 wickets. The first target is to get them all out in the first innings and then see what lies ahead. Obviously, it’s hard work for bowlers on such wickets but yeah, they shouldn’t be so flat. It’s not entertaining, you want to get results,” he added.
Paras Mhambrey also spoke about India’s plans in the match ahead. He expressed that the first target will be to bowl out West Indies. Team India will play to win the Test match, added the bowling coach.
“We are trying to win the match, go session by session. Will see how it’s after the first hour. The ball is still new thankfully. The way Siraj and Mukesh have bowled and generated swing looks like we can take wickets. 1-2 wickets early on will throw open the game. We are playing with the mindset to win,” he said.
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