Pitch good for batting, J&K should have batted first: Samiullah Beigh

Srinagar, Feb 15: Former Jammu and Kashmir captain Samiullah Beigh has questioned J&K’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss against Bengal in the Ranji Trophy semi-final at the Bengal Cricket Academy Ground, Kalyani, saying the surface was ideal for batting and runs on the board would have been crucial in a big match.

Sharing his views on his Facebook account, Beigh recalled J&K’s previous experience at the same venue against Kerala, where the match ended in a draw after rain interruptions.

“Last we played at the ground of Kalyani was against Kerala. It was a draw. We conceded the first innings lead because we batted very poorly after bowling them out for 300 odd,” Beigh wrote.

He also referred to Kerala skipper Sanju Samson’s remarkable innings in that match.

“Sanju played a magnificent knock. He batted for almost two days for such a knock,” he said, highlighting how the pitch favoured batsmen who applied themselves.

Beigh, who bowled extensively on the surface during that game, said the pitch appearance could be misleading.

“Having bowled 27 odd overs on that pitch, let me say this, the pitch looks green but it is a very good pitch to bat on. There is good bounce, no spin and no major swing,” he wrote.

Based on his assessment, Beigh said J&K should have opted to bat first after winning the toss.

“Therefore, in my opinion, J&K should have batted first after winning the toss. Runs on the board in a big game matter,” he stated.

However, the former skipper expressed hope that J&K bowlers would still make early inroads.

“But let’s keep our fingers crossed. Hope to see some early wickets,” he added.

His remarks came as Bengal reached a strong position on Day 1, riding on Sudip Kumar Gharami’s unbeaten century, after being invited to bat first by Jammu and Kashmir.