J Suchith, the premier wicket-taker for Karnataka on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Group A game against Maharashtra, attributed his side’s slow batting to the ‘tricky pitch’ at the SDNRW ground.
“Our batsmen are always positive but it's a tricky pitch because the bounce is not consistent and the odd ball is swinging also. So there is definitely something in the wicket for the fast bowlers. I think you will have to grind a lot to score here. But if we get a lead of 150 or so, it will be very tough for them to play the third innings,” said Suchith on Wednesday.
“The wicket is tricky as I said and all the batsmen got out to good balls. They have experienced bowlers and they know how to bowl on such tracks. It's just a matter of batting two good sessions. We also know that while trailing, the team will be under pressure until they cross the opponent’s score. We are looking to cross the score and then you will see the atmosphere relaxing and that's when the runs will come in,” added the southpaw, who bagged 4/26.
While delighted at another good showing, Suchith said he just cashed in on the hard work done by the pacers who scythed through the Maharashtra top order.
“Firstly I think I got wickets because of the good work done by our fast bowlers. They bowled well on this wicket. Them winning the toss, our bowlers put them in the back foot straight away, excellent in removing the top five and helped me get the other four wickets.”