BGT 2023 | Twitter engages in fierce debate over potential pitch tampering in Nagpur for 1st Test

Australia are all set to embark upon a potentially era-defining series for the team as they prepare to take on India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting in Nagpur on Thursday. The winner of the four-match affair would not only rise to the number one spot in ICC's Test rankings but also confirm their appearance in the World Test Championship final slated to take place at The Oval in June. On the eve of the opening encounter at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, however, the pitch came under heavy flak after renowned reporter Bharat Sundaresan revealed the manner of preparation being used for the surface which could potentially give India a major advantage heading into the clash.

While several Australian outlets, including Fox Sports, claimed the curators to be doctoring the pitch, the Indian contingent surmised that both sides would be up against each other on the same track and facing the same adversities. Renowned expert Harsha Bhogle even pointed out that the home teams are always supposed to have an upper hand in terms of the conditions to make Tests entertaining, further fuelling the debate on social media.

What's going on here? 🤔🤔🤔



Pictures expose bizarre Indian ploy as Aussie concerns grow over first Test pitch 👉 https://t.co/O6XuSbyG7V pic.twitter.com/OHEGP4VWRB

— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) February 7, 2023

Wrong questions

No need of this

So much talk about pitches before the game starts! For one, it is the same for both teams. And second, it has to present a challenge to the touring side. That is the essence of home and away contests.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 8, 2023

This is the Nagpur pitch. They gave water and rolled only the outlined portion of the pitch. This means that the pitch outside it will be super dry resulting in high spin. And if you see those spots are the leftie's off stump from both sides.

Australia has 6 lefties in Top 8 🗿⚰️ pic.twitter.com/rOCZ74x8gi

— Harshit (@_offthemark_) February 8, 2023

Just imagine!

Viral times!

Why Aussie Media is keep viral the pics of Pitch at Nagpur , at end of the day Both the Team have to play on same surface,Remember its been more than 100 years of cricket now please develop spinners and stop complaining about Pitch #nagpurtest #NagpurPitch #INDvsAUS

— Dishant Yagnik (@Dishantyagnik77) February 8, 2023

The classic thing said about pitches is "It'll be the same for everyone". Can't see the same being said for this Nagpur track.

Absolutely no qualms with India producing rank turners, but specifically doctoring them to make left handed batting impossible seems particularly brazen. pic.twitter.com/11fdu5zgfO

— Anshul Ranade (@theAnshulRanade) February 8, 2023

General maintenance

Attraction!

VCA Jamtha pitch in Nagpur centre of attraction for visiting Aussies on the eve of the 1st Test #INDvsAUS #BorderGavaskarTrophy @indraneel0 @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/lXXlc60ntM

— firoz mirza (@scribefiroz237) February 8, 2023

Seeing a lot of (mostly speculative) talk about the Nagpur pitch.



Preparing a pitch that works to the advantage of the home team is perfectly acceptable.



The tourists will work out a counter-plan too.



Also, it's too early to judge the pitch before even a ball has been bowled.

— In my refocus era (@sangeetapremi) February 8, 2023