"I don't think any ball hit the helmet" - Axar Patel slams critics of Chennai surface 

feature-image

Play all audios:

Debutant Axar Patel hit out at critics of the Chennai pitch for the second India-England Test, saying India never complain about green tops when they go abroad.


The left-arm spinner was responding to criticism from some former England cricketers, Michael Vaughan in particular, who termed the Chepauk surface unfit for Test cricket.


Even as the debate over the Chennai pitch continued to divide opinion, Ravichandran Ashwin notched up his fifth Test century while Indian skipper Virat Kohli contributed a hard-fought 62.


Speaking about India’s batting performance on the day, Axar Patel explained:


On how spinners must bowl on the Chennai strip, Axar Patel stated that slow bowlers must hit the deck hard to be effective. He added:


Axar Patel also admitted that he has learned a lot from Ashwin, having played with him over the years. He revealed that the two discussed about mindsets and working out various batsmen.


England have been set an improbable 482 to win the second Test. They collapsed to 53 for 3 by the close of play. Joe Root was unbeaten on two, and Dan Lawrence on 19.


Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news