After the second Test between India and South Africa concluded within 1.5 days, the focus turned to the pitch used in the match. Despite India’s triumph, the opening day witnessed 23 wickets falling. Captain Rohit Sharma publicly criticized the inconsistent decisions by match referees concerning the early endings of matches in India versus overseas. Now, ICC match referee Chris Broad has disclosed his rating for the Newlands pitch.
ICC Rates Cape Town Pitch ‘Unsatisfactory’ After Rohit Sharma’s Criticism
The pitch utilized in the second Test between India and South Africa has received an ‘unsatisfactory’ rating from the match referee, along with the imposition of a demerit point.
“The pitch in Newlands was very difficult to bat on. The ball bounced quickly and sometimes alarmingly throughout the match, making it difficult to play shots. Several batters were hit on the gloves and many wickets also fell due to the awkward bounce,” Broad said.
While the demerit point itself doesn’t have an immediate impact, if a venue amasses six demerit points, it initiates a one-year ban on hosting international matches.
Rohit Sharma Slammed ICC For Hypocrisy
For the unversed, Indian captain Rohit Sharma had launched a sharp critique at those criticizing the pitch, expressing his confusion over the extensive discussion when pitches in India lead to sharp turns. He highlighted the contrast, noting that there is often silence from match referees and critics when matches end prematurely overseas. He had said:
“We saw what happened in this match, how the pitch played and stuff like that. I honestly don’t mind playing on pitches like this. As long as everyone keeps their mouth shut in India and don’t talk too much about Indian pitches, honestly.”
He added: “I still can’t believe that the World Cup final pitch was rated below average [it was rated average]. A batsman got a hundred there in the final. How can that be a poor pitch? So these are the things the ICC, the match referees, they need to look into and start rating pitches based on what they see, not based on the countries. I think that’s quite important.”
“So I hope they keep their ears open, they keep their eyes open and look into those aspects of the game. Honestly, I’m all for pitches like this. We want to challenge playing on pitches like this. We pride ourselves playing on pitches like this. Uh, but all I want to say is be neutral.”
Rohit Sharma on fire in Press Conference about pitches. 🔥pic.twitter.com/kh4XiHm0Gd
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 5, 2024
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