'Who Would Want To Be A Bowler Over There?' - Pat Cummins after India’s win in 2nd Test vs England at Edgbaston

Australia captain Pat Cummins took a cheeky dig at the flat pitches being used in the ongoing India vs. England Test series. In the first two games of the five-match series, only one team has been bowled out for under 300, with batters largely dominating proceedings. In contrast, Australia's tour of the Caribbean has been a bowler’s paradise, with fiery pitches offering plenty of assistance. Australia bowled out West Indies for just 143 in Grenada to seal a 2-0 series win, with only one total above 300 across the series.

Cummins, speaking after the 133-run victory in Grenada, admitted he hadn't been watching much of the India-England series but didn't hold back in his assessment. "I wasn't (watching India vs. England); probably Marnus (Labuschagne) was, we'll keep an eye on it. Who'd want to be a bowler over there?" Cummins said, poking fun at the lifeless surfaces. "Looking at Test cricket this week over here compared to that, it looks like two different sports. It looks like it is going to be a good series, 1-1 now."

The Edgbaston pitch, in particular, has come under scrutiny. It was even labelled a "subcontinent pitch" by England skipper Ben Stokes after his side lost seven wickets on the final day to allow India to level the series. The flat nature of the surface has made life difficult for the bowlers, drawing criticism from several quarters.

Shubman Gill Wants Better Balance Between Bat and Ball

India’s captain Shubman Gill also expressed his frustration over the lack of support for bowlers. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gill pointed out how hard his bowlers had to work just to get any help from the surface. “It gets very difficult for the bowlers. Even more than the wicket, the ball is going soft and out of shape very quickly. I don't know what it is—weather, wickets, or whatever—but it gets very difficult for the bowlers to get wickets in these conditions,” he said.

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He further added, “I think there should be a little help at least. If the ball is doing something, you enjoy playing. If you know there are only 20 overs of any help and then you have to spend the rest of the day on the defensive, thinking how to stop runs, then the game loses its essence.” With the ENG vs. IND series now level at 1-1, the all-important third Test will be played at Lord’s from Thursday, July 10.