IND vs. Eng: How England’s test pitches have become suited to batting, but results in or out of the number. Cricket news
Ask any experienced fan and they will tell you that batting in England once was the biggest test of cricket’s patience and technology. A little cloud, a sign of green, and the duke ball will do the rest – nibbing, ducking, and even the best tests.But if you have seen England’s home test in the last five years, you have probably seen that something has changed. Quite, really. The pitches have become sweet, shot at the run -rates, and we are watching more matches with the results, not the endless bore draw.In 35 tests played in England (2020–2025):Average wicket run: 31.40Run rate: 3.56 per overDraw: 5Results: 30These figures show a fast scoring rate by a healthy batting average and test standards, yet less matches flow into a dull draw.
But how different is this from recent times?Compare that with the 2015-2019 stage, and vice versa is faster. Subsequently, England’s tests saw a slightly lower batting average (~ 31.2) and more minor scoring rate (about 3.35 rpOs). Even more importantly, there were 10 draws in 35 tests in that five-year stretch-the number seen by our doubt is doubled.Ground-by-ground average (2020–2025)Here is how England’s prominent places are piled up for batting:Ground batting average run rate (RPO) match draw
| Field | Batting average | Run rate (RPO) | Matchbox | Pull |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| old Trafford | 43.45 | 3.78 | 6 | 1 |
| Lord | 39.47 | 4.43 | 8 | 1 |
| Headingley | 44.75 | 4.49 | 4 | 0 |
| Trent Bridge | 36.32 | 4.36 | 4 | 1 |
| Edgbaston | 27.42 | 4.10 | 4 | 0 |
| Kennington Oval | 36.77 | 4.10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rose Bowl (Southampton) | ~ 29.00 | ~ 2.60–3.21 | 3 | 2 |
Now compare them with your own figures from 2015-2019:
Ground-by-ground: Who has changed the most?
| Field | 2015–2019 AVG | 2020–2025 AVG | Change | RPO (now) | insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headingley | 31.87 | 44.75 | +12.88 | 4.49 | Once difficult, now a run-fest |
| old Trafford | ~ 32.76 | 43.45 | +10.69 | 3.78 | Large scale improvement in scoring |
| Lord | ~ 32.24–33 | 39.47 | +6–7 | 4.43 | RPO is now the highest in the country |
| Trent Bridge | 24.63–40.05 | 36.32 | +5 to +11 | 4.36 | Flattering, faster, more reliable |
| Kennington Oval | ~ 36.00 | 36.77 | slight rise | 4.10 | Flat decks remain constant |
| Edgbaston | 28.40 | 27.42 | -0.98 | 4.10 | Still the most difficult place to bat |
| Rose bowl | ~ 25.85 | ~ 29.00 | +3.15 | ~ 2.60–3.21 | Slow and draw-go |
High match totalRecently prepared tests show how easy the big scoring in England has become.England scored 592 runs against Australia at Old Trafford in Manchester in 2023, only for rain to save visitors.England scored 583 runs for 8 declared against Pakistan in Southampton in 2020, but consecutive weather blocks stopped a result.New Zealand scored 547 runs for 16 wickets at Lord’s in 2021 – was good enough to push for a win, but once again, the time ended.Other big matches – 531, 486, 460 and more – show that both hosts and touring are running more easily than the past.
Why is batting flourishing?1. Pitch ready for entertainmentThe ECB has quietly moved to the pitches that appear to play attractive strokes to promote the interest of the audience and the number of TV audiences.2. Bajball and aggressive battingSince 2021, in the era of ‘Bajball’ of England, batsmen have been seen scoring at unprecedented rates – above 4 runs in Headingley and Lords. This mentality forces the game to pursue, but also demands a holding pitches together for the strokeplay.3. Low lateral movementIn recent years, there has been a slight decrease in grass cover and surface moisture. Swing and seams remain factor, but not continuously during five days, as they did once.Quiz: Who is that IPL player?More runs, but not more snooze-fest draw
Voting
Do you believe that the change in England’s pitches has positively affected Test cricket?
Do you think all these big scores will mean more boring draw, right? But surprisingly, it is not so.Teams today do not crawl up to 250 in two days – they run 400 before tea. The batsmen play with independence, the strike rate increases, and the captains are not shy to roll the dice. Announcements come first, the fourth innings chase is alive, and there is always a sensible that something is going to happen.So yes, there are more runs. But this is not dull. not even close.The English pitch, which was once known to grind the batsmen, now offer a different adventure: fast scoring, bold strategy and games that really go somewhere.
