Doctored pitches did not help hosts South Africa, says Ray Jennings

Virat Kohli

Former coach Ray Jennings yesterday came down heavily on the South African team management for "trying to doctor pitches" during the recently-concluded Test series against India, saying the tactic nearly boomeranged. "They tried doctoring pitches in the Tests and it was so close that South Africa almost lost the series. Such pitches won't help because India have a great pace attack," Jennings' pointed observation is sure to leave the home team red-faced.

Ray Jennings

For Jennings, the move could have backfired since India now have a potent pace attack. "Ten years ago, India didn't have any fast bowlers. Now they have so many, starting from Under-19 itself and the minimum they bowl is 135," Jennings said. Jennings was also furious about selection going all awry for the Proteas. "The selection is all wrong. They have juiced up pitches but such pitches can assist spinners as we are seeing. "They say they are preparing for the World Cup, but if these youngsters fail in 2018, they will be chucked out. Who will you play the World Cup then?" he fumed.

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