Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar he launched a scathing criticism from former Australian and English players for their persistent complaints about Indian pitches. His remarks followed a dramatic second day of the fifth Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where 15 wickets fell, raising questions about the playing surface.
Speaking on ABC Grandstand Radio, Gavaskar expressed his frustration at the double standards when it comes to field evaluations.
“If 15 wickets fell [in one day] there would be hell in India,” Gavaskar observed. “Glenn McGrath said he had never seen so much grass. Have you heard any former Indian cricketer lamenting about the pitch?”
Gavaskar defends the toughness of the Indian players
Gavaskar pointed out that Indian the players have always adapted to foreign conditions without complaint, unlike their own Australian and English counterparts.
“When we go out and play cricket, we strengthen it. And if they beat us, they beat us. It is very difficult to beat domestic teams abroad,” he added.
The former Indian captain did not hold back in criticizing those who keep targeting Indian pitches.
“Former English and Australian cricketers always talk about Indian pitches and conditions. We are not whiners, we are not cowards. You will never find us complaining. But 15 wickets on a day in India, it would be hell,” Gavaskar stressed.
Criticism of the SCG Pitch
The field at SCG was under scrutiny due to the excessive grass area and unpredictable bounce. Gavaskar shared his opinion on the surface, hinting that it was not up to par.
“I said that when we saw the field yesterday, the cows could have gone and fallen on it. This is not the ideal test match you want because you want it to go into days four and five. Unless it rains, I don’t see us being here for a fourth day,” he remarked.
Pant’s brisk knock keeps India in check
As the pitch debate raged, the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant he delivered an electrifying performance. Pant smashed the second-fastest Test half-century by an Indian, reaching the milestone in just 29 balls. His aggressive approach helped India gain a crucial lead of 145 runs with four wickets in hand.
At stumps on Day 2, India stood at 141/6 with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar holding down the fort. Earlier in the day, the visitors bowled out Australia for 181, securing a narrow first innings lead.
Prasidh Krishna and Bowling Unit shine
India’s bowling unit, led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, continued to impress. Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy played key roles in keeping Australia’s batting line-up in check.
The visitors took full advantage of the conditions and Bumrah dismissed Marnus Labuschagne early. Prasidh Krishna followed up with the crucial runs, further turning the game in India’s favour.
Gavaskar concluded his speech by reiterating the need for fairness in pitch evaluations. He pointed out that Indian players have never complained about the challenges they face abroad and called for similar respect from other nations.
“We don’t complain about foreign pitches. We accept the challenge and play the best we can. The same respect should be shown to us when the teams come to India,” he said.
Stay updated with all the cricket action, follow Cricadius on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
Source link
