BCCI defend Nagpur pitch with strong reply to ICC
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has defended the pitch at the VCA stadium in Nagpur, which hosted the third Test, of the Freedom Series, between India and South Africa in a strong-worded reply to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The ICC had sought an explanation from the BCCI after match referee Jeff Crowe labelled the pitch as ‘poor’ in his report.
According to a report in the DNA newspaper, the BCCI has strongly questioned Jeff Crowe’s judgment of the condition of Nagpur pitch.
"The assessment of Nagpur pitch as 'poor' was totally incorrect. The Board has strongly contested Jeff Crowe's report," a board official told the DNA newspaper.
"There are different types of wickets – a batting wicket, a seaming wicket and a spinning wicket. If the spinners are able to turn the ball on the first day of the Test, then how could the pitch be termed poor," BCCI wrote in its reply, reported DNA.
"There is a perception that a contest between ball and bat can come only on a seaming wicket. Spinners can also have a contest with the batsmen in cricket," the official further added, reported DNA.
As per the report, the BCCI asked the ICC to look at the video evidence of the 40 wickets that fell in the third Test.
"Excessive turn is a matter of perception. The batsmen found it difficult not due to the wicket but due to poor technique and temperament. Not a single ball displayed excessive unevenness of bounce. Then, how can it be termed a poor pitch," the official noted, reported DNA.
The BCCI reportedly also cited the instance of the day-night Test at Adelaide between Australia and New Zealand, which also witnessed a fall of 40 wickets in less than three days.
"Adelaide game too ended inside three days. Most of the wickets there were taken by seamers. Can that pitch then be termed 'poor' for offering excessive seam movement"? BCCI’s letter questioned, reported DNA.
After the BCCI’s response, Geoff Allardice, ICC's General Manager Cricket, and Ranjan Madugalle, the ICC's Chief Match Referee, will consider the evidence before reaching a conclusion on the performance of the pitch. If the pitch is found to be sub-standard, then sanctions could be imposed ranging from a warning to a fine of $15,000.