In modern cricket, players are told to be brave and play freely. But can India hold their ground and save the Brisbane Test match? The truth is, cricketers need to adapt to the pitch conditions. While Australia’s pitches are usually good for batting, things have changed since December 2021, especially with the new Kookaburra ball.
This new ball, designed to make the game more exciting, has actually made it harder for batsmen to succeed. It has a different inner lining and extra lacquer, which keeps it harder for longer. This change makes it easier for bowlers to get movement, making batting tricky.
Steve Smith, a top Australian player, noticed this too. He said, “Since they changed the ball in 2021, batting has become more difficult, and the pitches are greener now.” This means that Indian batsmen need to rethink their strategies. While KL Rahul seems to have adjusted, others, like the top-order players, have struggled to do the same.
For example, India was struggling in their innings at various points: they went 73/6 in Perth, 109/6 in Adelaide, and now 74/5 in Brisbane. Luck is important, but it has to be earned.
Smith emphasized that the first 35 overs are crucial and hard for batsmen due to the ball’s movement. He mentioned that it’s one of the toughest times he has faced in his career. stats show that batting averages have dropped since 2021, indicating that players need to be more careful.
Rahul, who has been India’s best performer, believes that tightening defense is key. He said, “We need to respect that the first 30 overs are for the bowlers, and after that, we can take more risks with an older ball.”
If India’s players don’t improve their approach soon, they might face serious trouble in this series.
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