India vs Australia | Aakash Chopra, Mitchell Johnson get into verbal spat on Twitter about Perth pitch
Former cricketers Mitchell Johnson and Aakash Chopra were involved in a gruesome verbal spat on Twitter over the condition of the pitch at the new Optus Stadium in Perth. While Johnson maintained that the pitch was up to the average standards, Chopra argued differently on the same issue.
The pitch at the brand new Optus stadium in Perth was heavily criticised despite the home team registering a 146-run win. As per a report which was published on cricket.com.au, match referee Ranjan Madugalle rated the pitch at the new stadium in Perth as average, which is actually the lowest pass mark given out by the ICC. Prior to that, the Adelaide pitch which was used in the series opener was given a very good rating from the international cricket body.
Former Australian pacer, Mitchell Johnson, was the first to respond to the report in the Australian media as he played down the below-par rating given by the ICC and suggested that the pitch in Perth was alright.
Nothing wrong with it. It was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball for a change and not these dull flat tracks being served up constantly. I’d actually be interested in knowing what a good pitch is? Hope for another exciting test at the MCG 🏏 https://t.co/Q1vOYm6AaB
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) 21 December 2018
Johnson continued the thread on Twitter as he went on to reply to a fan who offered a different view on the issue.
Inconsistent bounce use to happen a lot, the pitch is supposed to deteriorate. Is it any different to a pitch that spins a metre or more & stays low?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) 21 December 2018
But former Indian batsman, Aakash Chopra, did not seem to agree with the Australian pacer’s opinion and that is when things took a different turn.
Vihari bowled a bouncer on the ‘first day’ to dismiss a well set Harris. I rest my case 🙌🙏 https://t.co/gELNtmLUuI
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) 21 December 2018
Pretty shitty case if that what your coming with Aakash. You’re saying it was a dangerous delivery from a spinner? Did you pipe up when the Indian 4 man attack bowled plenty of short balls, which I enjoyed as a fan & was awesome to watch? What is a good wicket is to you?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) 21 December 2018
You spoke of natural deterioration that leads to variable bounce. That ball was a reflection of variable bounce on the first day. Not dangerous then. But yes...that Shami spell on day four was close to dangerous....felt that player safety was in question. Therefore the rating. https://t.co/AlE4Me9Iko
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) 21 December 2018
I disagree, I’ve seen far worse & played on pitches similar to it. Do you want to see boring flat belters? I don’t. I want to see pitches that produce an exciting contest between bat and ball. Anything else you want to get off your chest?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) 21 December 2018
I never said that I want to see cricket on feather beds..ICC rated the pitch ‘Average’-I agree with their neutral observation based on the feedback of match officials. You don’t. We r entitled to have our own opinions. FOE. Too bad if the pitches you played on got a ‘good’ rating
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) 21 December 2018
Plenty of pitches much worse that never had this rating. I know what you saying & no issues with you disagreeing & having your opinion, that’s all good. But I still disagree & have no idea why you would comment directly to me?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) 21 December 2018
Too late in Melbourne..just landed...body clock still set on Perth timings. Chanced upon your observation somehow...enough reasons for commenting to you directly? ☺️😉✌️Merry Christmas in advance...see you on the Boxing Day. Hopefully MCG wont be a road like last year... 🤞
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) 21 December 2018
Previously, current Australia coach Justin Langer had also dismissed claims that the Perth wicket was not up to the mark as he said that, “Anyone who says there’s anything wrong with that wicket, they must have been watching a different game”.
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