India got off to a flying start in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023 by defeating Australia by an innings and 132 runs in the opening Test at Nagpur. The hosts will now take on Aussies in Delhi from February 17.
However, there is a slight change in the schedule as the third Test match, which was scheduled to be held in Dharamsala from March 1, has been shifted to Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium. The BCCI took the decision after inspecting the pitch of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association stadium and concluding that it wouldn’t be match ready in two weeks.
“Owing to harsh winter conditions in the region, the outfield lacks sufficient grass density and will need some time to develop fully,” the BCCI said in an official release.
Reacting to BCCI’s verdict, Australian media outlet Fox Cricket took to Twitter and shared the stats of veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin at the newly announced venue for the third Test. Notably, Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium has previously hosted two Tests, and India won both of them by massive margins. Ashwin grabbed 18 wickets in those matches .
“BREAKING: The third India Test has been moved to a new venue … where Ravichandran Ashwin averages 12.50 with the ball,” tweeted Fox Cricket.
BREAKING: The third India Test has been moved to a new venue … where Ravichandran Ashwin averages 12.50 with the ball.#INDvAUS https://t.co/vFpWX4TwLm
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) February 13, 2023
On the other hand, Indian commentator Aakash Chopra and former wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has taken a hilarious dig at the Aussie media network’s tweet.
“Self-destruction Module-1. Indore can be one of the flattest pitches in the country. Hasn’t hosted a lot of test cricket either. IMHO, it is Australia’s best chance to draw a test. Or even win. But…the Ashwin obsession is likely to FOX Australians again,” Chopra replied to Fox Cricket.
Self-destruction Module-1.
Indore can be one of the flattest pitches in the country. Hasn’t hosted a lot of test cricket either.
IMHO, it is Australia’s best chance to draw a test. Or even win. But…the Ashwin obsession is likely to FOX Australians again 🤗🤗 https://t.co/uX8zKEYpBC— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 13, 2023
Meanwhile, Karthik wrote: “The admin here clearly is one hell of a worrier. Seems to play more mind games with the Australian team than the other way around.”
The admin here clearly is one hell of a worrier
Seems to play more mind games with the Australian team than the other way around 😅#INDvsAUS #BGT2023 https://t.co/8gFW71ujpa
— DK (@DineshKarthik) February 13, 2023
