The cricketing world has come down hard on the pitch that has been dished out in Brisbane for the 1st between Australia and South Africa. Indian legend Virender Sehwag slammed the surface at the Gabba and also accused the Australians of hypocrisy.
The opening test, which saw record attendances on the first and second days after a one-sided affair with the West Indies, finished in less than two days, the second time a test match finished that early in Australia. Only 142 overs have been bowled in the entire match, also the second least in history in terms of balls bowled.
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Sehwag took to Twitter to express his displeasure with the pitch and said that had such a surface been produced in India, talks regarding the “end of test cricket” would have been made.
Sehwag took to Twitter and wrote, “142 overs and not even lasting 2 days and they have the audacity to lecture on what kind of pitches are needed. Had it happened in India, it would have been labelled end of test cricket, ruining test cricket and what not. The Hypocrisy is mind-boggling.”
In the past, Australian and English cricketers and experts have slammed the turning pitches in India, particularly during England’s visit to India last year.
South Africa were bowled out for 152 in the 1st innings, while Australia could only muster 218, with Travis Head making 92. South Africa were then dismissed for just 99 in the 2nd essay, with the pitch speeding up even further on day 2. Australia lost four wickets to chase a meager target of 34, with extras (19) being more than the highest individual score.
Commentators were heard criticising the pitch on air due to the steep and uneven bounce on occasion and the lateral movement that the bowlers were able to generate. Due to the massive public outcry, the Gabba pitch is very likely to receive some demerit points, although how many is yet to be seen.
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