While talking about the first Ashes Test between England and Australia, which ended in less than two days, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar brought attention to perceived double standards. Australia won the match by eight wickets after 32 wickets were lost.
In sharp contrast to the criticism the Eden Gardens pitch received during the first Test match between South Africa and India, when it was claimed to overly benefit spinners, Gavaskar pointed out that the pitch received remarkably little criticism. He said that, in contrast to expectations, the Perth pitch had more grass than normal, which may have helped seamers and contributed to the English batting lineup’s early collapse.
“In less than two days, the Perth Test match came to a close with 32 wickets taken, including 19 on the opening day. However, the pitch has not yet been criticised. In his piece for Mid-Day, Gavaskar said, “I can’t remember a critical word about the pitch, which had more grass on it than usual. Last year, too, 17 wickets fell on Day One at Perth between India and Australia.”
Gavaskar added that when a surface helps quick bowlers, there is typically less criticism.
However, the curators frequently come under heavy criticism and scrutiny when subcontinental pitches favour spinners.
The same happened in Sydney, as Day One saw the loss of 15 wickets. The curator in Perth last year listed the argument as follows: “This is Perth, Australia, and you will get bounce.” Okay, but why can’t it be acknowledged that this is India and that there would be a turn when the pitch allows for one? The counterargument is that you can’t play fast bowling if you moan about the bounce. Why is it that in India, there is never a counterargument that spin bowling is impossible when the pitch allows turn? Gavaskar authored.
Are the mistakes committed by subcontinent umpires considered cheating, whereas the old phenomenon of their umpires making mistakes is referred to as human error? In a similar vein, do curators in India have an agenda whereas those in that country do not? Seeing several of our recently retired cricket players enquire about 19 wickets in a single day is encouraging. “There are three of the same hand pointing back at you, so guys, it’s time to stop pointing fingers at Indian cricket,” he continued.
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