Indian legend Ravichandran Ashwin has hit back strongly at critics who slammed the Eden Gardens pitch for producing a three-day finish in the first Test against South Africa. Ashwin questioned why the same voices remained silent when 19 wickets tumbled on Day 1 of the Perth Ashes Test under far tougher playing conditions.
Earlier this month, the Kolkata surface faced intense scrutiny after 15 wickets fell on the opening day and the match wrapped up inside three days, with India failing to chase a modest 124. Several former cricketers, including ex-England captain Michael Vaughan, labelled the pitch “awful” and accused India of preparing excessive turners that heavily favoured spin.
Ashwin, however, pointed to the unfolding drama in Perth, where the ball seamed viciously from the first session, yet the global reaction was far more forgiving.
ALSO READ: Temba Bavuma Confirms Kagiso Rabada Ruled Out Of Guwahati Test Amid Injury Concerns
Taking to social media, he sarcastically remarked, “Only 19 wickets fell at Perth today, but an excellent day’s cricket. Oh no! What if the same happens tomorrow in Guwahati?” His comment highlighted the double standards often applied when matches finish quickly in subcontinental conditions.
Only 19 wickets fell at Perth today, but an excellent days cricket.
Oh no! What if the same happens tomorrow in Guwahati? pic.twitter.com/4NW31yc0Sb
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) November 21, 2025
The action in Perth certainly justified Ashwin’s frustration. Mitchell Starc produced a trademark demolition job, rattling England with a sensational 7/58 after Ben Stokes elected to bat first on a bright morning at a packed stadium. Harry Brook (52) and Ollie Pope (46) offered brief resistance, but England collapsed after lunch.
ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant Reveals His Captaincy Style Ahead Of Guwahati Test Against South Africa
In response, England’s pacers roared back. Stokes led from the front with 5/23, reducing Australia to 123/9 at stumps, still trailing by 49 runs. Debutant Jake Weatherald endured a nightmare start, struck by a fiery Jofra Archer delivery before being trapped lbw for a second-ball duck. Marnus Labuschagne survived 41 gritty balls but eventually succumbed to Archer’s raw pace as well.
