"Little harder to play against the SG ball" - Litton Das draws comparison with Kookaburra used in Pakistan ahead of India tour
Bangladesh middle-order batter Litton Das recently compared the SG ball with the Kookaburra ball. He believes the former will be a little harder to negotiate during the upcoming India tour than the Kookaburra deployed during the recently concluded series against Pakistan. The right-handed batter observed that the Kookaburra ball becomes comfortable to play after getting old.
Fresh from a historic series win over Pakistan, Bangladesh will next tour India for two Tests before playing three T20Is. The Tigers inevitably face a daunting challenge, given India haven't lost a home series since 2012 and are yet to suffer a defeat to Bangladesh.
Das, who played a critical role in Bangladesh's series win over Pakistan, said as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo:
"The ball will be a different one in India. It is a little harder to play against the SG ball. The Kookaburra ball is easier to play when it gets old. It is the opposite with the SG ball. It is harder to get away against the old ball when it's the SG."
The 29-year-old slammed a magnificent 138 after the tourists suffered a top-order collapse in the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. His century enabled their side to reduce to deficit to only 12 and eventually win the game.
"I have been playing for ten years, so there has been some experience" - Litton Das
The keeper-batter admitted that he has to play a lot more responsibly. He pointed out that he has experience on his side and reckons it's inspiring if people expect a player to do well. He added:
"I have to take responsibility now. It is the right time. I have been playing for ten years, so there has been some experience. I try to score off deliveries that I believe are there to hit. Scoring runs is more important these days.
"I think I bat in the same way that most batters approach the game. It is inspiring that people will know you if you do well. There's nothing better than that. I don't think it is pressure."
The opening Test between India and Bangladesh begins on September 19 in Chennai.