Throughout the mid to late 80s, Chepauk was a featherbed. It was fast and furious in the 70s and early 80s. That tied test had a really flat track and the match was made interesting only by a brave declaration by the Ausssies after dominating the Test for 4 days. Again in the 80s, Gooch and Gatting swept Sivaramakrishnan away to 650 odd. So, Chepauk was at its worst then — it was at its best in the 70s when it was said to be the fastest in the world.

In the 90s, the fast track that became a featherbed was converted into a spinners’ wicket — actually, a good spinners’ wicket. One where quality spinners could hurry the batsmen with fast turn and biting bounce. And, one where good shots had value.

Now, it looks like a throwback to the 80s. I suspect, the bad weather leading up to the game had an impact on the preparation of the wicket. We’ll have to cut some slack to the wonderful ground.