IPL5: Fleming admits they misread the Chepauk pitch in the tournament opener – Cricket News Update
The coach of the Chennai Super Kings, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Stephen-Paul-Fleming-c91190, has admitted that they misread the new wicket at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai which resulted in a humiliating eight-wicket defeat at the hands of the Mumbai Indians in
the tournament opener last night.
Speaking to media reporters after a disappointing start to the latest edition of the money spinning Indian Premier League, Fleming said that they have been winning consistently at home in the past seasons, as they knew the conditions
at Chepauk. This year however, the wicket was new, and similarly to the tourists they were a bit unsure regarding the behaviour of the pitch for the tournament opener.
"It is little bit different. We are used to winning games and knowing the conditions we were playing on,’ said the New Zealander after his side succumbed to a convincing eight wicket loss at the hands of the Mumbai side, led by Harbhajan
Singh.
“We, like Mumbai, were little bit unsure how the pitch was going to play. And that took away the element of home advantage we have enjoyed over last few seasons. That is not an excuse, it is a fact," he added further.
In the opening match of the IPL5 between the defending champions the Chennai Super Kings and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mumbai-c820 Indians, played at CSK’s happy hunting home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the hosts were put into bat, and failed to post a
par score on the board, as they were bundled out for 112 on the penultimate ball of the innings.
In reply, Mumbai rode on Richard Levi’s pugnacious half century, which came off just 35 deliveries, as they chased down the target in the 17th over with eight wickets to spare.
Fleming, the former http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 skipper, said that they have gained more knowledge of the wicket and will adjust their game plan accordingly in the ensuing matches.
“One of the positives that has come out is that, we have got more knowledge going forward. That may have a bearing on our team selection and also the way we plan," said Fleming.
CSK will play the Deccan Chargers next on Saturday, April 7, 2012.
Tags: