Flat Pitches, Ball Changes Challenge Cricket Bowlers

Recent cricket matches have spotlighted challenging conditions for bowlers, with India's captain Shubman Gill highlighting how flat pitches and quickly softening balls have made wicket-taking harder and affected competitive balance. Gill's double-century at Edgbaston demonstrated his form and leadership as he adapts to new challenges. The use of the Kookaburra ball in English county cricket has led to higher scores and tougher conditions for seamers, as part of efforts to prepare bowlers for international play. Former umpire Anil Chaudhary cautioned that England's aggressive 'Bazball' strategy could still result in dramatic batting collapses. These developments reflect ongoing debates about ball selection, playing conditions, and evolving cricket strategies.