On twisting tracks, one cannot only play for survival: Diverse Vengsarkar

What should a batter do while dealing with dust clouds and tough portions as early as the first Test session?

Teams have often struggled to find solutions while in the subcontinent. Even while the ball may not immediately bite and spin wildly, playing even a straighter delivery becomes more difficult when the odd ball is up to no good.

On a wicket that will only become tougher to handle as the Test unfolds, Australia learned that on Thursday in Nagpur when they were bowled out for 177. The fact that some balls twisted violently while others continued straight on may be attributed to natural variation. Consider Steve Smith’s dismissal, who took the turn while Ravindra Jadeja did not. India responded by demonstrating that runs can be scored on the ground by finishing the day on 77/1 despite facing a bowling attack that lacked the same level of skill and experience as the hosts’.

Dilip Vengsarkar, a former captain of India, provided advice on what should be done in such “dustbowls.”

Vengsarkar, who played 116 Tests for India, remarked, “The problem is it demands talent, play the ball as late as possible, and you need luck.

Reading the length and making an exact shot choice becomes crucial.

“The placements on the field determine the shots. The batsman must be wary if the bowlers pitch it up and force him to drive since he will have to wait for short-of-length deliveries to play square of the wicket. You must make a decision depending on the length and make adjustments, he stated.

Particularly Marnus Labuschagne will need to pay attention. After playing well to reach 49, he attempted a wide drive against Jadeja but was unsuccessful due to the left-arm spinner’s flight and turn. Despite widespread support for batters stepping out and using their feet to counter-spin, Vengsarkar highlighted the dangers of playing on a turning course. “I don’t sure about the usage of feet since stepping out and driving will be a little hazardous when the ball is twisting,”

On Thursday, things weren’t all bad for Australia. Along with Labuschagne and Smith’s 82-run partnership, Alex Carey and Peter Handscomb’s 53-run partnership in 67 pitches also demonstrated the benefits of being aggressive.

“On this pitch, you just cannot get mired down in trying to survive. The main point is that you must search for runs. The scoreboard must remain active. You can’t let the bowlers take control, said Vengsarkar.