Kevin Pietersen Criticizes Modern Batting Approach After India’s 3-0 Test Series Loss to New Zealand
“No one should be surprised by the lack of batting application and technique in Test cricket. Cricket is a 'smackers' game now, and there's a disintegration of Test batting skill,” Pietersen remarked.
Kevin Pietersen recently voiced his frustration with the state of modern-day Test batting following India’s heavy 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand. In a post on X, the former England batsman highlighted the negative impact of T20-style aggression on players' traditional batting skills. He noted that Test cricket’s long-form demands patience and adaptability—especially against spin—but these qualities are diminishing as players prioritize high-strike-rate, boundary-focused play.
“No one should be surprised by the lack of batting application and technique in Test cricket. Cricket is a 'smackers' game now, and there's a disintegration of Test batting skill,” Pietersen remarked. He emphasized the importance of extended practice against spin, claiming there’s “no quick remedy” to mastering it.
Pietersen’s comments reflect growing concerns that limited-overs formats are eroding the foundational skills of Test batting. His remarks come after a turbulent series for India, where they struggled against New Zealand’s spinners and lost all three matches by large margins. In the third Test, Ajaz Patel’s 6/57 helped bowl India out for 121, ending their chase of 147 runs. Although Rishabh Pant offered resistance with a rapid 64 off 57 balls, India's batting lineup collapsed shortly after.
Earlier in the match, Jadeja (5/55) and Ashwin (3/62) limited New Zealand to 174 in their second innings, with Will Young (51 off 100 balls) standing out for the Kiwis. Despite a 28-run first-innings lead, India fell apart in the final chase, sparking renewed calls for players to focus on fundamental skills amid the pressures of modern-day cricket.
