Former Australian cricketers Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke have slammed the pitch at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, India, after the second Test between India and Australia ended in a draw.
The pitch, which was described as a “dustbowl” by Hayden, was heavily criticised by the two former players for its lack of bounce and carry. Hayden said that the pitch was “not a good advertisement for Test cricket” and that it was “not a fair contest between bat and ball”.
Clarke echoed Hayden’s sentiments, saying that the pitch was “not up to the standard of Test cricket”. He added that the pitch was “not conducive to good cricket” and that it was “not a fair contest between bat and ball”.
The pitch at the Holkar Stadium has been a source of controversy in recent years, with many players and commentators criticising its lack of bounce and carry. The pitch has been described as “dead” and “unresponsive” by some, while others have said that it is “not conducive to good cricket”.
The Indian cricket board has defended the pitch, saying that it is “not as bad as it is being made out to be”. However, the board has also said that it will look into the matter and take appropriate action if necessary.
The controversy surrounding the pitch at the Holkar Stadium has highlighted the need for better pitches in Test cricket. It is essential that pitches are prepared in such a way that they provide a fair contest between bat and ball, and that they are conducive to good cricket.
It is clear that the pitch at the Holkar Stadium is not up to the standard of Test cricket, and it is important that the Indian cricket board takes steps to ensure that such pitches are not used in the future. The views of Hayden and Clarke should be taken seriously, and the board should take appropriate action to ensure that pitches are of a high standard in the future.