As the cricketing world gears up for the much-anticipated Test series between India and England, the prelude to the clash has seen its fair share of banter and subtle jabs. The latest addition to this banter comes from none other than Suryakumar Yadav, who took a sly dig at the England team following Axar Patel’s exceptional bowling performance against Afghanistan in Indore.
India’s T20I triumph and the crossover to Test expectations
India’s recent triumph over Afghanistan in the T20I series has set the stage for a riveting Test series against England, with the opening clash scheduled to commence on January 25 in Hyderabad. The performance of certain players in the T20Is, who are also part of the Test squad, has further fueled the excitement surrounding the upcoming series.
Axar Patel’s spin mastery in Indore
One player who particularly stole the limelight in the T20I series against Afghanistan was Axar. The spinner displayed remarkable precision and spun his magic during the second T20I in Indore, earning himself the Player of the Match award for his clinical figures of 2/17 on a batting-friendly ground. As accolades poured in from all corners of the world, one noteworthy message came from Axar’s teammate and friend, Suryakumar.
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Suryakumar Yadav’s witty remark on Axar’s performance
Taking to Instagram, Suryakumar cheekily remarked, “Ball to 12 din baad ghumni chahiye” (The ball should have spun after 12 days), accompanied by three laughing emojis.
The cryptic comment from the Mumbai-born cricketer hinted at the upcoming Test series against England, suggesting that the pitches might be tailor-made for spin and could once again trigger the English players and experts.
Context behind Suryakumar’s jibe: Axar’s previous heroics against England
The spotlight is undoubtedly on Axar, given his remarkable performance against England in the previous series. During the last tour of English side in India, the left-arm spinner wreaked havoc in the third match of the series in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium (previously Motera stadium), bagging an impressive 11 wickets and contributing significantly to India’s victory on the second day itself. The pitch conditions became a controversial talking point, with many accusing India of preparing a spin-friendly surface.
Beyond banter: The on-field showdown awaits
As the banter unfolds off the field, the on-field action promises to be intense and closely watched. The jibes and banter between players add an extra layer of excitement to the series, making it more than just a battle of cricketing skills.
