Which practice matches in India??? I don’t recall any practice games in the most recent tour.
As far as dust bowls are concerned; India pitches turn from day one, just as English green tops swing or Aussie decks bounce. I could attribute just about as many Aussie wickets to poor shot selection rather than a spiteful wicket.
Touring teams are always ready to blame the wickets when they get thrashed in India.
When England batted today, the wicket seemed almost unplayable, yet India’s batsmen have scored with ease. That tells me India’s bowlers are just far more skilled in conditions suited to them than England’s.
Pretty much this. Can’t stand when people blame the pitch. Both teams have to bat on it- do the work pre tour and apply yourself and you can be successful
