Legendary Indian cricket team batter Sunil Gavaskar said that he has seen cracks in the pitches of Australian stadiums like Perth and Brisbane but if anything like that happens in India, it comes under a lot of spotlight. Gavaskar’s comments came in the wake of major controversy surrounding the pitch being used in the fourth Test match between India and England in Ranchi. Several England cricket team players have spoken about the surface and the cracks have become a major topic of discussion. However, during commentary on Day 3, Gavaskar said that he has seen the ball bounce dangerously due to the cracks in Perth but anything like that in India comes with added discussion and criticism from experts.
“I have seen cracks in the pitches of Perth and Brisbane. When the ball hits the crack in Perth, it goes very viciously past your head. But then nothing happens. You got to play that. You got to show your gumption and guts. But when it happens in India, oh my god, all hell breaks loose,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gavaskar suggested that India captain Rohit Sharma should allow Ravichandran Ashwin to lead the team out on the field in the final Test in Dharamsala, to honour the senior off-spinner in his milestone 100th match.
The 37-year-old Ashwin is playing in his 99th Test in the fourth match here against England and returned with figures of 5/51 in the visitors’ second innings, his 35th five-wicket haul in the longest format.
“India win tomorrow, and you go to Dharamshala (for fifth and final Test), I just hope that Rohit allows you to lead the team out to the field. That’ll be a wonderful gesture, honour for all that you have done for Indian cricket,” Gavaskar said while speaking to Ashwin on Jio Cinema after the end of the third day’s play.
To that, Ashwin replied he would be happy if his presence in the team lasts longer.
“Sunny bhai, you are being too generous, thanks so much. However, expectations about all these things, I think I am well past all that. But genuinely saying, I am enjoying every single moment I am being with this team,” Ashwin said.
(With PTI inputs)
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