Although Rohit Sharma refrained from outright criticising the Newlands surface, he was forthright in denouncing the abuse that Indian pitches endure, especially given their tendency to spin.
Following the second Test match between India and South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town, captain of the Indian cricket team Rohit Sharma was eager to attack. The quality of the surface has come under scrutiny as the Test concluded in fewer than five sessions, making it the shortest match in the format’s history (in terms of balls bowled). 23 wickets were lost on the opening day of play. It was difficult for the batters from South Africa and India. Even though they performed better in the second innings, a two-day Test match was inexplicable.
Although Rohit Sharma refuted the Newlands pitch outright, he was forthright in denouncing the criticisms leveled upon Indian pitches, especially with regard to their spinning characteristics.
“When you’re here to play Test cricket, you talk about Test cricket the ultimate prize and pinnacle, and then you should stand by it,” said Rohit Sharma.
“You ought to rise to the occasion when such a challenge is presented to you. The conversation turns to “puff of dust, puff of dust” from the moment the pitch turns in India. This pitch is so cracked up.”
The two-Test series’ ICC match referee, former England opener Chris Broad, is Rohit’s opinion that the world body’s appointed referees ought to be “neutral.”
Rohit Sharma was not pleased with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft’s “average” assessment of the Ahmedabad pitch used for the ODI World Cup final.
“It still amazes me that the pitch in the World Cup final was judged as “below ordinary” (it was actually average). There was a hitter who reached 100. “How is that a bad pitch?” he questioned. Thus, it is necessary for the ICC and the match officials to investigate. Start assigning ratings to pitches based on what they observe rather than the nation that is hosting.
They should pay attention to those details and have an open mind. Proposals such as this one (at Newlands) have my full support.
“We pride ourselves playing on pitches like these, all I want to say is be neutral.”
Rohit jokingly stated that he would love to know the criteria match referees use to grade pitches, demonstrating the level of mistrust for some of the select match officials.
“I’m interested in learning how the pitch was scored. I’d like to see it right now. Could you please show me the pitch rating chart? Bengaluru, Centurion, Mumbai, and Cape Town are all obviously distinct from one another. Overhead conditions are distinct, and pitches degrade quickly,” he stated.
It is OK if the ball seams from ball one, but if it begins to turn. They take offense if the ball begins to rotate. It is incorrect to wish for the ball to merely seam rather than turn.
“I’ve had enough of cricket for now. I don’t mind how match referees choose to record; they must maintain objectivity. I’ve seen enough of how these officials look at these ratings.
