It turned from Day 1, but good players of spin like Joe Root could also bat forever on it because it was a slow turner. For the betterment of Indian cricket, we must accept one hard fact—one important reason why India lost the first Test was because of the fitness of their spinners. Fitness as a concept has now taken firm roots in Indian cricket; it’s one reason why India looks world-class on the field. The Chennai defeat must get India to focus on the fitness of their spinners. Ashwin has artistry, but Jadeja would have been the more difficult bowler to face on the slow turner in Chennai.

Source: Hindustan Times February 11, 2021 02:16 UTC