Australia National Cricket Team captain Pat Cummins has played down pitch concerns ahead of the Nagpur Test against India, saying that the home advantage is part of the challenge of the longest format of the game.
The first Test of the four-match series between Rohit Sharma-led India and Pat Cummins-led Australia will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur from February 9 to 13.
IPL 2023 | Australia tour of India 2023 | Dream11 Prediction | Fantasy Cricket Tips | Cricket Match Prediction Today | Cricket News | Cricket Live Score
Indian pitch curators have been accused by the Australian media of selective watering of the pitch. Fox Cricket has reported that only the center of the wicket in Nagpur was watered and rolled while the area outside the left-handers’ off-stump at both ends was left dry. The Australian media is claiming that the Indian pitch curators are deliberately doing that to make batting tough for the left-hander-heavy Australian batting line-up and to enhance India’s spin trio.
At a pre-match press conference, Pat Cummins was asked to share his views on the pitch at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.
IPL 2023 | India National Cricket Team | IND vs AUS 2023 | India vs Australia 2023
“I think that’s part of the challenge of playing away. Home teams want to win at home, and in Australia we’re lucky we’ve got pace and bounce,” he responded.
Embracing the chaos – Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins added that they will look forward to embracing the chaos of playing on the pitch produced for the series opener.
“Embracing the chaos. These series always throw up different challenges on the field or off the field, and embracing it is what makes these tours so special.
“It’s going to be challenging, at times, but our batters relish the chance to problem solve on their feet and I think quite a few will get that chance this week,” Pat Cummins said.
When India National Cricket Team captain Rohit Sharma was asked about the pitch, he said that the focus should be on cricket and not on the pitch.
“Just focus on cricket and not the pitch. After all the 22 guys out there are all quality players,” Rohit said in response to the question.
Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma | Rishabh Pant | KL Rahul | Suryakumar Yadav | Sanju Samson | Shreyas Iyer | Yuzvendra Chahal | Jasprit Bumrah
