Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has criticized the Australian media for their persistent criticism of Indian pitches during the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The 73-year-old also noted that some of their previous players are complaining loudly about the surface, while the current players have remained silent.
The former cricketer added that players such as Steve Smith have already claimed that they prefer playing and captaining in India since every ball on the subcontinent is a challenge. Hence, he considers the statements made by Australian media to be extremely alarming, especially as the two nations celebrate 75 years of friendship.
“Steve Smith has stated that he enjoys playing and captaining in India because every delivery is a challenge and every over can be somewhat unpredictable. The present Australian players have remained silent, but the clamor emanating from certain previous players has been somewhat frightening. Given that we are about to enter an era of 75 years of India-Australia friendship, some Australian ex-players should refrain from using impolite language, Sunil Gavaskar told India Today.
Also, the renowned batsman emphasized the need to accept outside conditions and never question the integrity of Indian cricket fans.
“Their pitches were identical. Play and understand that you will not receive pitches like at home when you travel overseas, but do not use phrases like “skulduggery” to question the Indians’ honesty. Let’s get one thing perfectly clear: no nation can hold a monopoly on integrity and honesty. I am a proud Native American. When someone raises doubt on Indians and myself, I shall express my opinion,” he continued.
Khawaja and Green gave Australia the ideal start in the fourth Test.
Australia is in the driver’s seat in the ongoing Test series against India after Usman Khawaja’s spectacular century in the fourth Test. Cameron Green, a youngster, has also been outstanding, reaching his first half-century in India. Australia got off to a great start because to their magnificent performance, and if they can capitalize on that, the Indian squad will be in serious trouble.
As far as the Indian bowlers are concerned, they have yet to establish their dominance. The ordinary performance of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin with the ball is a major cause for concern.
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