‘Ab aaya na line pe’ – Twitter reacts to reports of pace-friendly pitch for India vs Australia 4th Test

 ‘Ab aaya na line pe’ – Twitter reacts to reports of pace-friendly pitch for India vs Australia 4th Test

Indian cricket team (Source – Twitter)

A trashing 9-wicket loss in Indore has forced team India to change its plan to prepare a lush green surface for the fourth Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Before the third Test, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said that if they win they win in Indore, they will prepare a green pitch for the fourth Test to prepare for the final of the World Test Championship.

Now that Australia have won in Indore, they become the first team to qualify for the WTC final, but India still have to win the final Test to book their spot. The third Test was finished within the first session of day three and the pitch at the Holkar stadium Indore was slammed by Apex Cricket council’s match referee Chris Broad for preparing a ‘poor’ track.

‘We haven’t received any instructions from the Indian team management’ – Gujarat state association source

Now the Gujarat Cricket association will not be looking to risk its reputation by preparing a pitch that will be hellish in the eyes of the cricket council.

“We haven’t received any instructions from the Indian team management and our local curators are preparing a normal track as we have always done through the season,” said the state association source as quoted by India Today.

“In fact, last Ranji game over here in January, Railways scored 500 plus (508) batting first and Gujarat, although had innings defeat, scored 200 plus in both innings. It won’t be too different this time,” he further stated.

India were bowled out 109 and 163 respectively in both innings, while Australia were also bundled out for 197 in their first inning after losing the last 6 wickets for just 11 runs. Matthew Kuhnemann took a five-wicket haul in the first inning, while the Player of the match Nathan Lyon destroyed the Indian batting lineup in the third inning. The off-spinner took 8 eights conceding 64 runs as the visitors got a target of 76 runs to win. India are still leading in a four-match series by 2-1 and the final Test will start on March 9.

Here’s how Twitter reacted: 

https://twitter.com/ViratTilldeath/status/1631957781849968640

Steven

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