Sir Vivian Richards slammed England following the Motera pitch debate

West Indian batting legend Sir Vivian Richards has slammed the England cricket team for moaning and groaning over the Motera pitch debate.

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Sir Vivian Richards

Sir Vivian Richards

Sir Vivian Richards has slammed the England cricket team for moaning and groaning over the Motera pitch debate. Richards stated that the visitors need to focus and prepare better for the fourth and final Test. The spinners dominated the third Test and finished it within two days. Both sides failed to cross even 150 runs in the match. While some cricket experts have discredited the pitch as low, others have held the batsmen responsible for the poor outing. England was bundled out for paltry scores of 112 and 81, while the hosts too faltered in their first innings for 145.

Following the end of proceedings, many former players have shared their opinions on the pitch that was in play for the third Test. While Sunil Gavaskar, Kevin Pietersen, Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott have defended the track, Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan, David Lloyd, and others have blasted it left, right and center. Viv Richards stated that he was happy to see the Indian pitches behaving the traditional way. He mentioned that the batsmen should have anticipated this before coming to spin land.

England should evaluate things and solve their problems before the fourth and final Test: Viv Richards

Viv Richards, who featured in 121 Tests and 187 ODIs, said such spinning conditions are just the other side of seaming and bouncing conditions. Richards reckoned that how batsmen worldwide cope with excessive bounce, England players should adapt to turn and grip in India. He also mentioned that the visitors should look at the extended time as an opportunity to evaluate things and solve their problems. Considering India's pace unit, he said it's time for the visitors to do the same when it comes to bowling and playing spin.

The fourth and final Test will be an opportunity for both teams in different ways. England will look to end the series at 2-2, while the Indian team will be keen to win it 3-1 and secure a spot in the ICC World Test Championship Final. If India wins the fourth match, then they will play against New Zealand in the WTC final. Even a draw is enough for the team to reach the WTC final. However, if England wins the last Test, it will be Australia who will face New Zealand.

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