India faced a crushing defeat in the recent Test match against Australia, held at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The match was marked by low scores from both teams, with neither side managing a significant total in any innings.
The key factor behind the batting struggles was the pitch at the SCG, which was heavily grass-covered and heavily favored fast bowlers. Indian batsmen, in particular, found themselves unable to adapt, falling prey to Australia’s pace attack and failing to cross the 200-run mark in either innings.
As a result, Australia secured a convincing victory, earning their spot in the final of the World Test Championship against South Africa.
Former Indian cricketer and legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar did not hold back in his criticism of the pitch conditions. Speaking on ABC Grandstand Radio after the match, Gavaskar took a sharp dig at the preparation of the SCG wicket.
Describing the pitch as unsuitable for Test cricket, he said, “The green pitch at Sydney was so grassy, even cows could have come and grazed on it.” Gavaskar argued that such pitches undermine the essence of Test cricket, which traditionally requires surfaces that allow matches to evolve over four or five days.
He noted that the condition of the SCG pitch had even taken former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath by surprise. “This is not the right pitch for Test cricket,” Gavaskar stated emphatically, pointing out that the match lacked the balance between bat and ball that is crucial for a proper Test match.
The Indian team’s inability to handle the conditions highlighted their struggles with grassy surfaces, while Australia capitalized on their familiarity with such pitches. The controversy surrounding the pitch preparation has added another layer to the heated cricket rivalry between India and Australia.
As the cricketing world debates the fairness of the SCG surface, Australia now turns its focus to the World Test Championship final, while India will look to regroup and address their challenges against pace-friendly conditions.
