Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the Optus Stadium pitch (Perth) as an “average” where Australia and India recently played the second Test of the series and Australia won by 146 runs. However, the cricket world has divided on their opinions about that pitch rating as the former English skipper Michael Vaughan and former Australian left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson both have criticised that low rating.
That game had some ups and downs moments and Australia won that game during the first session of day five. After the end of the game, the experienced match referee Ranjan Madugalle rated that pitch as an “average”
However, many cricket experts have praised the new Perth track as it has produced a balanced game for both the batsmen and bowlers. Australian head coach Justin Langer slammed for that low pass-marking review and claimed that the reviewer must have been watching a different game.
Now, the former English skipper Michael Vaughan and former Australian left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson both have also criticised for that low rating.
Michael Vaughan tweeted, “And they wonder why Test Match cricket is struggling .. Was a tremendously exciting pitch which had a bit for everyone .. Should be more like this IMO ..”
And they wonder why Test Match cricket is struggling .. Was a tremendously exciting pitch which had a bit for everyone .. Should be more like this IMO .. https://t.co/c5jx99oQfO
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 21, 2018
On the other hand, Mitchell Johnson tweeted on his view on that pitch, “Nothing wrong with it. It was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball for a change and not these dull flat tracks being served up constantly. I’d actually be interested in knowing what a good pitch is? Hope for another exciting test at the MCG.”
Nothing wrong with it. It was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball for a change and not these dull flat tracks being served up constantly. I’d actually be interested in knowing what a good pitch is? Hope for another exciting test at the MCG 🏏 https://t.co/Q1vOYm6AaB
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
Later, the former Indian Test cricketer Aakash Chopra has come to support on that pitch rating. On that matter, he had a twitter war with Johnson.
While Mitchell Johnson posted for a reply, “Inconsistent bounce use to happen a lot, the pitch is supposed to deteriorate. Is it any different to a pitch that spins a metre or more & stays low?”
Inconsistent bounce use to happen a lot, the pitch is supposed to deteriorate. Is it any different to a pitch that spins a metre or more & stays low?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
Aakash Chopra replied, “Vihari bowled a bouncer on the ‘first day’ to dismiss a well set Harris. I rest my case.”
Vihari bowled a bouncer on the ‘first day’ to dismiss a well set Harris. I rest my case 🙌🙏 https://t.co/gELNtmLUuI
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
Mitchell Johnson countered back, “Pretty shitty case if that what your coming with Aakash. You’re saying it was a dangerous delivery from a spinner? Did you pipe up when the Indian 4 man attack bowled plenty of short balls, which I enjoyed as a fan & was awesome to watch? What is a good wicket is to you?”
Pretty shitty case if that what your coming with Aakash. You’re saying it was a dangerous delivery from a spinner? Did you pipe up when the Indian 4 man attack bowled plenty of short balls, which I enjoyed as a fan & was awesome to watch? What is a good wicket is to you?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
Aakash Chopra replied, “You spoke of natural deterioration that leads to variable bounce. That ball was a reflection of variable bounce on the first day. Not dangerous then. But yes…that Shami spell on day four was close to dangerous….felt that player safety was in question. Therefore the rating.”
You spoke of natural deterioration that leads to variable bounce. That ball was a reflection of variable bounce on the first day. Not dangerous then. But yes…that Shami spell on day four was close to dangerous….felt that player safety was in question. Therefore the rating. https://t.co/AlE4Me9Iko
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
Mitchell Johnson again disagreed on Chopra’s view and wrote, “I disagree, I’ve seen far worse & played on pitches similar to it. Do you want to see boring flat belters? I don’t. I want to see pitches that produce an exciting contest between bat and ball. Anything else you want to get off your chest?”
I disagree, I’ve seen far worse & played on pitches similar to it. Do you want to see boring flat belters? I don’t. I want to see pitches that produce an exciting contest between bat and ball. Anything else you want to get off your chest?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
Aakash Chopra again replied, “I never said that I want to see cricket on feather beds..ICC rated the pitch ‘Average’-I agree with their neutral observation based on the feedback of match officials. You don’t. We r entitled to have our own opinions. FOE. Too bad if the pitches you played on got a ‘good’ rating”
I never said that I want to see cricket on feather beds..ICC rated the pitch ‘Average’-I agree with their neutral observation based on the feedback of match officials. You don’t. We r entitled to have our own opinions. FOE. Too bad if the pitches you played on got a ‘good’ rating
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
Mitchell Johnson added, “Plenty of pitches much worse that never had this rating. I know what you saying & no issues with you disagreeing & having your opinion, that’s all good. But I still disagree & have no idea why you would comment directly to me?”
Plenty of pitches much worse that never had this rating. I know what you saying & no issues with you disagreeing & having your opinion, that’s all good. But I still disagree & have no idea why you would comment directly to me?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
Later, Aakash Chopra replied, “Too late in Melbourne..just landed…body clock still set on Perth timings. Chanced upon your observation somehow…enough reasons for commenting to you directly? Merry Christmas in advance…see you on the Boxing Day. Hopefully MCG wont be a road like last year…”
Too late in Melbourne..just landed…body clock still set on Perth timings. Chanced upon your observation somehow…enough reasons for commenting to you directly? ☺️😉✌️Merry Christmas in advance…see you on the Boxing Day. Hopefully MCG wont be a road like last year… 🤞
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
