The 2023 edition Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia has just begin, but the accusations of the pitch in Nagpur, where the first Test of the four-match series is taking place, being ‘doctored’ have been made.
The method by which the curators treated the strip for the opening Test has left Australian media crying foul and some former Australia cricketers even commented that ICC should get involved and do something.
When Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar was asked about the nature of the pitch in Nagpur, he gave a perfect response.
Tendulkar said that the challenge of being an international cricketer is to perform on any kind of surface and the Aussies should be aware that the Indian pitches will offer turn.
“When you become an international cricketer, you are supposed to play on any kind of surface in the world. Those are challenges of travelling. When we go to Australia, we don’t expect turners there. We know nature of the surface is going to be a little bouncy and more pace in it and upfront movement of seam,” the Master Blaster stated in his exclusive interview with PTI.
“So is the case with Australian team, when they are in India. They know that there will be turn and nature of the surface will be slowish. They are prepared for that, they have practised with SG balls. Every team prepares to the best of their abilities and it is what happens around them amplify but the team is always in a different space compared to what outsiders are thinking.
“I feel Aussies are prepared to play and face the challenges,” he added.
While the Aussies are expecting spinners to rule the roost, Tendulkar believes the reverse swing from fast bowlers will also play a big role as the match progresses.
“The first hour of every morning, seamers will come into play and so will the spinners because in the morning there is going to be that bite in the surface.
“I remember playing one game in Nagpur where spinners dominated the morning session. The odd ball went straight and other one spun viciously. It became difficult for batters to gauge which one will turn and which one will come straight. It’s going to be both and reverse will come into play in this series.”
