In Cape Town, Rohit Sharma, the test captain of India, believes that there should be a review of how pitches are rated. He feels that India has received undue criticism after their seven-wicket win over South Africa on a seaming surface with variable bounce at Newlands. The win allowed India to share the series 1-1, marking the shortest ever test with a positive result. India set the tone by bowling the home side out for 55 before lunch on day one.
Rohit described the dangerous conditions, with variable bounce and sideways movement, but he has no issue playing on such surfaces as long as it is acknowledged that Indian pitches will turn from day one. He expressed, “I don’t mind being on pitches like this as long as everyone keeps their mouth shut in India and no-one is talking about the pitches there.”
The Indian test captain also pointed out inconsistencies in how match referees rate pitches in different countries, particularly highlighting the different treatment of pitches in India. He expressed his disbelief over the rating of the Cricket World Cup final pitch in Ahmedabad, where a player scored a hundred. Rohit wants pitches to be rated based on what is seen, rather than based on the countries they are located in.
Additionally, he believes that there should be no difference in the rating of a pitch based on spin or seam on day one, as it is unfair to favor one over the other. Rohit also emphasized the nature of the wicket, which made their Cape Town win even more special.
“When we saw how the pitch played in the first session, we knew it would not be a high scoring game,” he said. “All we wanted to do was stay disciplined in how we bowled and not get ahead of ourselves.”
Rohit also highlighted the importance of small contributions from the batters and the need for discipline. He emphasized the need to apply oneself, even if it means getting hit on the body. He believes that the win in Cape Town was a result of their strategic approach to the game.
The Indian test captain expressed his desire for neutrality in the rating of pitches, as well as a fair treatment of pitches based on their playing conditions, regardless of the country. He believes that such reforms would contribute to the fairness and integrity of international cricket.
(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Ken Ferris)
