Robin Uthappa Claims Better Batting Could Have Changed MCG Outcome

Robin Uthappa opined that the MCG pitch was challenging but not impossible to bat on. He noted that greater patience and technique, like that of Pujara or Rahane, could have helped batters win.

Former India batter Robin Uthappa has weighed in on the Melbourne(MCG) pitch used for the fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England. The Boxing Day match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground ended in two days, with England winning by four wickets last week.

Uthappa said the MCG pitch was challenging but not unplayable for batters. He felt both teams failed to show enough patience and discipline. He also noted that scores around 250 were achievable with the right mindset.

“See, it’s a dichotomous situation. It’s not like it’s an impossible wicket. There are such wickets in Melbourne which are very juicy for fast bowlers… I think it’s because of the way cricket is played today. I feel like these pitches are unsporty, but if you’ve the right technique and the right mindset and the fight in you, you’ll be able to figure out a solution for this kind of a wicket also,” Uthappa said on his YouTube channel.

The former cricketer then felt players like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane would have adapted well due to their temperament and defensive skills.

“It’s not a high-scoring game, but it’s not… It won’t be a 300-plus game, but even a 250 on this wicket is possible. You gotta fight it out. Play like Puji (Pujara) and Ajinkya Rahane. Definitely, you’ll score runs,” he added.

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Uthappa on Joe Root’s Struggles

Robin Uthappa also commented on Joe Root’s struggles during the second Test in Brisbane. He felt the England batter looked uncomfortable throughout the match.

“I am saying this with a grain of salt because the way we’re playing Test cricket has now changed. I don’t enjoy it a lot – like the Ashes Test matches that finished in two days. What are we doing to the sport for entertainment? Joe Root looked too lost in that Test match. He didn’t know how to play, play attacking cricket, or play his own way in the second innings. It was quite unfortunate… I empathize with them,” he concluded.