'Probably the worst surface I've seen' - Jofra Archer tears into Chennai pitch after first Test against India

The England cricket team started the Test series against India in stunning fashion, thrashing the hosts by 227 runs in the first Test at Chennai to take a critical 1-0 lead in the four-match series. The visitors were proficient in all departments of the game, and landed the first knockout punch, in what is shaping up to be a tantalizing series between the two sides.

However, as far as the pitch that was used for the match is concerned, Jofra Archer has some harsh words to say. Archer has termed the Chepauk pitch as the worst he has ever seen.

The England pacer also added that he was hopeful of finishing off the Indian innings even though the Indian batting line up is famed for its abilities at home and these are conditions that the Indian players know the best.

“On the fifth day, it was probably the worst surface I’ve seen — its orange colour, bits missing, rough patches for the bowlers to aim at. When we walked out in search of nine wickets on the fifth day, I was very hopeful we would complete the job — although these Indian players have big reputations and are at home, so should be able to cope with conditions better than anyone. So, I didn’t expect us to skittle them. Equally, I didn’t expect it to finish not long after afternoon drinks,” wrote Archer in his column for the Daily Mail.

Jofra Archer confident that he can perform at the same level

The England pacer also said that even though the gap between the first and second Test is only 3 days, and there is a rotational policy that is in place for fast bowlers in the England side, he is confident that he can still go out and perform at the same level once again. He also added that the heat in Chennai was ‘taxing’.

“There are only three days between Tests, and we use a rotation policy for the fast bowlers, but I have played back-to-back Tests before and, even though the heat can be taxing here, I know I can perform to the same level again,” concluded Archer.

Going into the second Test, the Indian side has its back against the wall, while the England side will be brimming with confidence. The second Test between India and England starts on 13th February 2021 at Chennai.