IND vs AUS 1st Test: The stage is getting heated up for all-important India vs Australia four-match test series which starts in Nagpur on 9th February. The build-up for an epic test series has picked its pace at the right time and has started doing rounds all around social media as we head closer to the opening fixture between India and Australia. In a fresh theory sparked around IND vs AUS 1st Test, the Australians have alleged India of blatant “pitch doctoring.”
Notably, the ground staff at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur did some fine-tuning to the pitch on Tuesday. Initially, the entire pitch was watered followed by a roller treatment in the centre of the pitch and some extra water was sprinkled outside the left-hander’s leg stump.
Responding to the visuals of fine-tuning the pitch ahead of the 1st IND vs AUS test in Nagpur, an Australian journalist reckon, pitches are prepared in one tone and the treatment is similar on all parts of the surface. However, it’s straight-up “pitch doctoring” if you start multi-preparing it.
“It’s a multi-toned pitch. The classic saying about pitches is, ‘Oh, it’s the same for everyone. If you start multi-preparing parts of the deck that’s straight-up pitch doctoring, it’s poor,” said Robert Craddock, an Australian journalist in SEN’s podcast.
“When the Gabba pitch too much grass was left on it, people were saying, ‘Yes, it was not a great wicket, but it was the same everyone. But you can’t say that about this pitch.” he said.
It’s interesting to note that a couple of experts and even Steve Smith felt that it would be a nightmare for them to bat in such conditions and Australia has five left-handers in its top eight. The likes of David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey, Travis Heat, and Matthew Renshaw all bat left-handed.
“I think the Indian curators are looking at a way for India to have an advantage. They potentially think spin will play a huge role and that for the best chance to beat Australia will be to play to their strength,” said Former Australian bowler Jason Gillespie told SEN WA Breakfast.
