It will be tough for England: Jonty Rhodes

Former South African batsman and perhaps the best fielder to have ever been produced, Jonty Rhodes has said that the Indian tour would indeed be a tough proposition for England when they do go ahead with the tour the following week. Rhodes, who has been a part of several tours to India including a few IPL events has said that the conditions are something that is not compatible with the touring Brits.

“It’s going to be tough for England. Being in India for five Tests is going to be physically and mentally very demanding because you are in a situation where conditions are not comfortable to you and it puts you under a bit more pressure,” said Rhodes, who has been the fielding coach of the IPL side Mumbai Indians for long.

Rhodes also added that a five-Test series would be something rather exhaustive for a team like England. He also added the impact T20 cricket is having on the game at the moment. “If you are in a three-Test series, you kind of can get in and get out but it is going to be tough in a five-match series,” he added.

“What T20 cricket has done is that there is no longer a case of bat and ball. The skill level of players has improved tremendously. Players are playing shots all around the ground,” the South African fielding legend said.

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“Bowlers now have to adapt. They can’t just bowl reverse swinging yorkers. You need to bowl the slower ball, slower ball bouncers, different kind of cutters. It’s all about adapting the skills as quickly as possible,” he added.

“everyone thought that spin bowlers will never compete and dominate in T20 cricket but often they are ones who are on top. It’s a game that requires a bit of skill and great intensity.”

He also went on to become the umpteenth person to heap praise on Virat Kohli. “It makes Virat Kohlis. Limited overs players have done well and made name for themselves and T20 cricket has helped them convert into very good Test players.”

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