Dubai, As the much-anticipated India-England Test series approaches its kickoff on January 25 in Hyderabad, former England head coach Andy Flower shares insights on the ‘Bazball’ approach and the intricacies of playing cricket in Indian conditions.
The series holds significant weight for Team India, serving as their final international action before transitioning to the Indian Premier League (IPL), a crucial phase ahead of the T20 World Cup in June. Despite India’s advantage with home conditions and a formidable bowling attack, the pitch conditions in India take center stage in pre-series discussions.
Indian pitches, often criticized for favoring spin bowlers, spark debates, with English media questioning the fairness of conditions. Indian experts counter, asserting the team’s right to leverage home advantages. Indian captain Rohit Sharma weighed in on the debate, urging against undue criticism after India’s victory against South Africa earlier this month.
In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times on the sidelines of the International League T20 (ILT20), Andy Flower, who coached the England team to victory in India in 2012, delved into the nuances of pitch conditions. Flower emphasized the need for players to adapt to varied conditions, stating, “As international players, we should be prepared for all sorts of conditions. The conditions and the oppositions vary so greatly. We want variety. Otherwise, it would be boring to play the game.”
Speaking about pitch preparation, Flower highlighted the importance of finding a balance that challenges both batsmen and bowlers. He expressed, “The curator needs to find a balance where bowlers take the wickets, and the batters also have a chance to score Test hundreds. Seam or spin, that should be the goal.”
Addressing the ‘Bazball’ strategy that has brought England success, Flower cautioned against dismissing the Indian seamers and their attacking prowess. He acknowledged the need for an aggressive batting approach while stressing the importance of a well-rounded game that includes solid defensive skills.
Flower explained, “Showing a solid defence, method, and comfort in defending… is quite a powerful message to send to the opposition batters. Whether the England batters will go about that way remains to be seen. But that would certainly be a part of how I would coach a youngster for a game in India.”
He further illustrated the advantage of having a strong defense, allowing flexibility in choosing when to attack. Flower concluded with a reminder of the importance of developing a comprehensive game and being unpredictable in one’s approach.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the India-England Test series, Flower’s insights add a layer of strategic anticipation, emphasizing the significance of adapting to diverse playing conditions.
