ENG Vs IND: Sunil Gavaskar Hits Out At England’s Green-top Strategy For Final Test

As the curtain comes down on a thrilling five-match Test series between India and England, the buzz around the final Test at The Oval is dominated not by team combinations or tactical shifts, but by a verdant green pitch that has sparked widespread intrigue and sharp reactions. With the series level and both teams chasing a decisive win, The Oval — typically known for its balanced conditions — has unveiled a seamer-friendly surface that has quickly become a focal point of debate in the cricketing world.

Among the many voices chiming in, one particular critique stood out for its bluntness and authority — that of legendary Indian batsman and commentator Sunil Gavaskar, who minced no words in questioning England’s motives behind rolling out a green-top.

Gavaskar’s Verdict: England’s Lack of Firepower or Tactical Masterstroke?

Speaking on Sony Sports during the Day 1 coverage, Sunil Gavaskar launched a stinging assessment of England’s selection and pitch preparation. “Arrey unke paas koi bowling hain hi nahi (They don’t have much of a bowling attack),” Gavaskar quipped. “This is why they have made such a pitch. Stokes has taken wickets, Archer has taken wickets and Carse has taken wickets. If they are not in your team, who will take wickets? This is why they have made such a pitch so that it helps bowlers like Tongue and Co.”

This wasn’t just a passing remark — Gavaskar’s criticism highlights a deeper undercurrent: England, without their top-tier pacers like Ben Stokes (not fully fit to bowl), Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse, have leaned on the surface to compensate for a less threatening bowling lineup. Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson led the charge, with support from Chris Woakes, in an attack that, while promising, lacks the sheer match-winning experience England usually fields.

Gavaskar’s words added fuel to an already burning fire. Questions were raised about whether pitch preparation is becoming an overused tool to cover gaps in a team’s playing XI — an issue India themselves have been accused of in subcontinent conditions. But this time, England was in the spotlight.

Day 1: Trial by Seam — India Bends, Doesn’t Break

The lush surface delivered what it promised. From the very first over, the green pitch at The Oval assisted England’s pacers with sharp movement and bounce under grey skies. India’s top order was soon in trouble — wickets fell in clusters, and by Tea, the visitors were tottering at 153 for 6.

However, Karun Nair, playing his first Test in years, and Washington Sundar, returning to the format after a long injury layoff, showed remarkable resilience. The pair stitched a valuable 51-run partnership, not only steadying India’s ship but also sending a strong message: India would not surrender to conditions.

Nair’s half-century — an unbeaten 52 off 98 deliveries — was as emotional as it was technically sound. It marked his first Test fifty in eight years, a poignant reminder of how quickly careers can be overshadowed and how satisfying comebacks can be. His shot selection was crisp, especially against the moving ball, and he left deliveries with the poise of a seasoned campaigner.

Sundar, with his assured 19 not out, played the ideal foil. While not flashy, his knock reflected patience, good judgement, and courage — the traits essential to navigate tough English conditions.

The Forgotten Man: Karun Nair’s Redemption Arc

Karun Nair’s return to the Indian Test side has been one of the quiet stories of this series. Overshadowed by the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sarfaraz Khan in the pecking order, Nair’s comeback seemed improbable until injuries and form opened a door. But he didn’t just step through it — he owned it.

Nair, once hailed as the next big thing in Indian middle-order cricket after his triple-century against England in 2016, vanished from the setup amid inconsistent performances and selectors’ indifference. Yet, his comeback innings at The Oval was a textbook example of mental strength and refined technique.

This fifty could very well be the launchpad for Nair to re-establish himself, especially with the Indian Test side on the cusp of a generational shift, with veterans like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara stepping aside.

England’s Bowling: Lively but Lacking Teeth?

The English attack, though assisted by a favourable pitch, was far from menacing. Gus Atkinson was the standout performer early on, using the seam and conditions effectively to trouble the Indian batters. Josh Tongue, meanwhile, extracted steep bounce but lacked consistency.

Chris Woakes, a seasoned campaigner in home conditions, provided brief spells of control but was unable to run through the Indian batting lineup. The absence of a bowler with that ‘X-factor’ — someone like Jofra Archer — was visible, especially as the pitch settled after the ball lost some of its shine.

Gavaskar’s assertion about England “lacking bowlers” didn’t appear baseless. The attack lacked variety, especially a spinner who could exploit the dry patches expected to emerge later in the Test. In hindsight, England may miss someone like Moeen Ali or Jack Leach if the game stretches into Day 4 and 5.

Day 2 and Beyond: India’s Grit vs England’s Desperation

At 204 for 6 at stumps, India will walk into Day 2 with cautious optimism. If Nair and Sundar can extend their partnership beyond 300, the visitors will have done exceedingly well on a pitch built to exploit their weaknesses.

What will be interesting to watch is whether England can capitalize on the morning session with the new ball, or whether their gamble on the green pitch backfires. Their batting, too, will be under the scanner — while Zak Crawley and Joe Root have been consistent, the middle order has been fragile under sustained pressure.

India’s bowlers — particularly seamers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mukesh Kumar, and Mohammed Siraj — will be itching to bowl on this surface. The return of Kuldeep Yadav as a wrist-spin option adds a layer of intrigue, especially if the pitch breaks up later.

Wider Debate: Pitch Curations & the Spirit of Test Cricket

This Test has reignited the long-standing debate about home teams doctoring pitches to their advantage. While every team utilizes home conditions to a degree, extremes — like this green-top at The Oval — invite criticism and raise questions about the fairness of contests.

Test cricket, ideally, should test all facets of a cricketer’s skill — patience, shot selection, adaptability. A pitch that over-assists one department can distort that balance. While spinners often toil away on batting tracks or green-tops, matches that over-favour seamers risk turning into a coin toss — which side wins the toss and bowls first.

A Battle of Resilience, Not Just Skill

As the fifth Test unfolds, the narrative isn’t just about bat vs ball or India vs England. It’s about resilience vs fragility. Experience vs ambition. Legacy vs transition.

India’s grit on Day 1 — led by a forgotten hero and a returning all-rounder — has set the stage for a fascinating Test match. England, under pressure at home and questioned over pitch choices, must rise above the criticism and prove their quality.

Sunil Gavaskar’s comments may have stirred the pot, but they’ve also added spice to an already riveting contest. Whether England’s green gamble pays off or boomerangs remains to be seen. One thing is certain: The Oval, with its lush outfield and seaming surface, is ready to host a cricketing epic.

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