INDvsAUS 2023: Two matches of the four-match Test series between India and Australia as part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have already ended. ICC has rated these venues.
First Published Feb 24, 2023, 11:58 AM IST
The ongoing debate about pitches in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023 between India and Australia has come to the fore once again. Two Tests have already ended in this series and both the matches ended within three days. The Australian media and exes continue to gossip about the pitches. The latest ICC announcement is more encouraging for them. ICC has given ‘Average’ rating to Nagpur and Delhi pitches in BGT so far. ICC match referee Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe) gave this rating.
As part of BGT-2023, it is known that the first Test was held in Nagpur. Aussies were all out for 177 runs in the first innings of this match. Instead, India made a huge score of 400 runs. But in the second innings, the Aussies fell to 91 runs.
The second Test was held in Delhi. In this Test, Australia was bowled out for 262 runs in the first innings. Compared to the first test, the Aussies played a little better. India were restricted to 263 runs in the first innings. But in the second innings everything was reversed again. In the second innings, the Aussies collapsed to 113 runs. India chased down the target by losing only four wickets.
The spinners showed their strength in both these tests. Indian spin duo Ashwin-Jadeja has left the Aussie batsmen reeling. The Aussies, who have played four innings so far, have managed only two half-centuries. Only Khawaja (81) and Peter Handscomb (72) scored half-centuries in the second Test for that team. The world’s top batsmen, Labuschagne, Steven Smith, David Warner and Travis Head failed miserably.
Not only Australia’s batters.. India’s batters are also failing in this series. Rohit scored a century in the first Test. Spin all rounders Jadeja and Akshar excelled. Ashwin joined them in the second Test. Aussie spinners Todd Murphy and Nathan Lyon are also threatening the Indian batters on spin pitches.
Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium (Nagpur) and Arun Jaitley Stadium (Delhi) got ‘Average’ rating, so former Aussies seem to have found a ray of hope. While many former Aussies are complaining that their batsmen have failed, cricketers like Ian Healy are blaming the pitches. In the second Test, the Kangaroos were criticized for playing reverse sweeps and paying the price. But the latest ICC announcement will give some boost to former Aussies.
The third Test between the two teams will be played at an indoor venue from March 1. India, who have already taken a 2-0 lead in this series of four Tests, are hoping to upset the kangaroos in Indore as well and clinch the series. And will Australia, who have been damaged in both Tests, recover in the third Test? That will have to wait and see.
