NEW DELHI: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar took a dig on the Australian strategy to pitch discussions, remarking that the inexperienced high on the Sydney Cricket Floor (SCG) has not sparked criticism from former Indian gamers. He contrasted this with the uproar usually seen when a spin-friendly pitch is ready in India.
“Oh, very a lot. Justin Langer, who’s performed in Australia, has stated he is by no means seen a lot grass on a pitch. However what you’d have observed is that no former Indian participant has complained or whined about it. If a pitch in India is bereft of grass and appears like it is going to flip, so many former gamers from completely different elements of the world criticise our pitches. However former Indian gamers hardly ever complain as a result of we perceive the significance of adapting to abroad situations,” Gavaskar stated on Star Sports activities when requested concerning the grass on the pitch.
On Day 1, India opted to bat first with out common captain Rohit Sharma and had been bundled out for 185. Scott Boland led the Australian assault with figures of 4/31, whereas Mitchell Starc chipped in with three wickets, leaving the guests struggling.
India’s high order faltered early, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal falling cheaply, and Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli unable to make important contributions. Amid the collapse, Rishabh Pant showcased resilience, dealing with Australia’s relentless bowling whereas enduring a number of painful blows to his biceps, helmet, and stomach. The staff physio was known as out a number of instances as Pant battled via the discomfort.
Pant’s gritty innings included a straight six off debutant Beau Webster and a pointy reduce shot off Nathan Lyon, although his main focus remained survival. His knock of 40 off 98 balls ended when a brief supply from Boland induced a mistimed shot, caught by Pat Cummins at mid-wicket. Pant’s 48-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja, spanning 151 balls, supplied a short respite for India.
Boland continued to pile on the strain, dismissing debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy for a golden duck on the very subsequent ball.
Reflecting on the SCG floor, Gavaskar stated, “I haven’t seen a lot grass on a Sydney pitch up to now. Most likely, the grass cowl is on the upper facet in comparison with different pitches within the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The batting is hard, and the visiting batters aren’t capable of join the bat with the ball.”
In a lighter second, he joked, “Cows would have grazed confidently on the pitch in Sydney.”
Gavaskar praised Pant’s braveness and adaptableness, noting the stark distinction in pitch situations in comparison with the earlier Check.
“Rishabh Pant is placing his physique on the road for India, and that is precisely what you want to do on a pitch like this, the place robust questions will likely be requested. It’s straightforward to underestimate how difficult it’s. Have a look at the earlier Check – this one is nastier,” he added.
