India Discriminated At MCG; Net Session Sparks Furore: Australia Resort To Dirty Tricks Ahead Of Boxing Day Test
Blogs
Dec 23,2024
A major controversy has hit the Boxing Day Test
Photo : Times Now
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
A major controversy has hit the Boxing Day Test
India were provided with used pitches for their net session
Australia's first net session is taking place on Monday
Australia has adopted controversial methods ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with the choice of pitches provided to both teams for their practice session coming under the scanner following Indian pacer Akash Deep's scathing words brought the issue to the limelight.
For those unversed, the Indian team practised at the MCG on Saturday (December 19) and Sunday (December 20). An injury scare for Rohit Sharma became a key talking point after the Indian captain was hit on the knee by a delivery and needed immediate treatment from the physio.
Addressing the media, Akash questioned the tracks and claimed they were used pitches which are meant for white-ball cricket.
“I feel these wickets are meant for white-ball cricket. The bounce was low, and it was difficult for batters to leave deliveries,” said Akash in a press conference.
Pitch Provided To India For Net Session
India Net Session Pitch
On Monday (December 22) while the Indian team was taking a break, the Australian side gathered for their first net session since assembling in Melbourne. The pitches provided to the home side are completely different in nature with the Pat Cummins-led side practising on fresh surfaces which are faster while having more pace and bounce.
Pitch Provided For Australia For Net Session
MCG Australia pitch
MCG's pitch curator Matt Pags defended the decision and claimed fresh tracks are only provided to a team three days before a Test match begins.
“We got the schedule of the Indian team well ahead. But we usually give match-centric wickets three days before the match. It’s applicable for all teams," said Pags in an interaction with the media.
The Boxing Day Test is a vital one for both teams, with the series level 1-1 after three Tests. Not only is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) at stake going into the final two matches of the series, but both teams are still in the hunt to reach the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Sports and around the world.
