IND vs ENG: ‘Slow over-rate is quality cricket’ – Brad Hogg weighs in as England docked two WTC points for Lord’s Test | Cricket News – Times of India

Ben Stokes and Joe Root (Getty Images)

Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has supplied a spirited defence of gradual over-charges in Test cricket, calling them a mark of “quality cricket” when matched by depth and character on the sector. Hogg’s feedback come in the wake of England being penalised two ICC World Test Championship points for falling quick of the over-rate requirement throughout their thrilling 22-run victory over India in the third Test at Lord’s.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking on his YouTube channel, Hogg mentioned that gradual over-charges are justifiable if the match maintains drama and intent. “When things are not going as fast, the slow over-rates there, it is okay as long as there is tension in the game. We want that tension. We want the players’ character showing,” he mentioned.

He added pointedly, “As long as it has got the tension, slow over-rate is good – because that is quality cricket.”

Hogg, who performed 145 matches for Australia, argued that in English situations, conserving bowler vitality is strategic, particularly when the ball softens. “It is a bit of cat and mouse… when the batters are in control, bowlers wait for that defensive moment to strike back and rush them. That’s where the game ebbs and flows,” he famous.Reflecting on India’s defeat at Lord’s, Hogg pointed to 1 pivotal second. “India lost that match because of one moment. Pant getting run out trying to get Rahul on strike for his hundred, and then Rahul gets out after celebrating. Two wickets in ten balls after a 140-run stand. That was the turning point.”The 5-match sequence now stands at 2-1 in England’s favour, with the fourth Test in Manchester starting July 23.