At a time when many cricket followers are bemoaning the decline of Take a look at cricket, there was fierce criticism in regards to the Newlands pitch, which performed a big half in seeing the second Take a look at between the Proteas and India finish inside a day and a half.
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Because of inconsistent bounce, it was the kind of wicket that even the perfect batsmen battled to regulate to, and in the end wickets fell at a ridiculous charge of knots.
After the sport, Proteas coach Shukri Conrad sought to defend the pitch that was ready.
“I do know Braam [Mong, the groundsman]. Braam is an effective man. Typically good guys get issues unsuitable,” Conrad commented, as quoted by CricInfo. “This doesn’t flip Braam right into a garbage groundsman,” Conrad mentioned. “You’ve received to really feel for the groundsman, particularly down in Cape City, the place we’ve received wind to take care of and he needs to get it so proper that possibly the wicket was somewhat bit over-prepared. He’s received to take it on the chin. That will probably be my message to Braam.”
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Newlands wicket within the highlight
Take a look at debutant Tristan Stubbs notably obtained an apology from Conrad “for giving him a debut on a wicket like this”, however the coach sought to downplay the circumstances in Cape City.
“I say simply give us a typical wicket that we’re going to get right here. I don’t need to be doctoring wickets,” Conrad mentioned. “We’ve received new batters in worldwide cricket, they should be taught their commerce and enjoying on wickets like this doesn’t do it for them. I by no means did and by no means will prescribe to groundsmen. In the end they’ve additionally received jobs.”
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Backlash from India
In the meantime, India captain Rohit Sharma hit out on the requirements of the pitch, however primarily what he seen as double requirements in the case of criticism India faces for his or her sluggish and turning wickets.
“I imply, we noticed what occurred on this match, how the pitch performed and stuff like that,” Rohit mentioned. “I truthfully don’t thoughts enjoying on pitches like this. So long as everybody retains their mouth shut in India and don’t speak an excessive amount of about Indian pitches, truthfully.
“Since you come right here [in Test cricket] to problem your self. Sure, it’s harmful. It’s difficult. So, and when individuals come to India, it’s once more fairly difficult as nicely. Look, when you’re right here to play Take a look at cricket, we discuss Take a look at cricket, the last word prize, Take a look at cricket being the head and stuff like that. I believe it’s essential that we additionally stand by it.
“When you find yourself put up in opposition to, a problem like that, you come and face it. That’s what occurs in India, however, in India on day one, if the pitch begins turning, individuals begin speaking about ‘Puff of mud! Puff of mud!’ There’s a lot crack right here on the pitch. Persons are not that.”
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