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'India Are Putting Out Slow Turners Which Suit Their Type Of Play,' Says Ex Skipper

image-lemslz56Kohli after his dismissal in second innings of Delhi Test (AP Photo)

India lead the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia 2-0 lead. The main concern for the visitors has been the ability to play India’s spin bowlers. Questions have been raised about the pitches prepared for the first two Tests, with critics saying that the conditions on offer are largely favourable for only the Indian team.

Former Australia captain Mark Taylor has said that the pitches in India are suited to the home players, while adding that the Australians didn't lacked the technique to play aggressive cricket.

“Yes, conditions in Australia are different. Yes, the Australian side goes there more often these days with the IPL. But the pitches there are unique. There is not a doubt about that. They are putting out slow low turners, which suit their type of play. And we are not used to playing on those types of pitches. We went over there with a mentality to be positive to take it on, be aggressive which is not a bad mentality to have. But you've got to have a technique for that. The execution was poor in the second Test,” Taylor told Wide World of Sports.

Taylor further went on to say that he personally does not have fond memories of playing Test cricket in India, while recalling how the Aussies were hammered in India when he was a part of the squad.

“I did not play a lot of Test matches in India. In 1998, we got beaten in the first test at Chennai in a pretty good game. Second Test, we played at Eden Gardens and got absolutely hammered. It’s not unique what has happened to the Australian team, it’s happened in the past too. We got beaten by an innings and 220 runs in Eden Gardens. It’s not too much fun. That’s what happened this time.”

Taylor was an opening batter from 1988 to 1999, as well as captain from 1994 to 1999, succeeding Allan Border. During his career Taylor made 20 centuries in international cricket – 19 in Tests and one in ODIs.