Ian Chappell Urges to Leave the Curators Alone for Good Pitches

Former Australian great Ian Chappell has urged to leave the curators alone for good pitches after the recent debacle over Johannesburg pitch. Though India won the match by 63 runs, the surface got criticised from both sides.

On wickets that ranged between tricky and treacherous in South Africa, Virat Kohli rose to the occasion with two worthy innings. Kohli played his natural game, picking off glorious off-side drives where others could only defend and nudge.

On South Africa’s part, Dean Elgar survived many blows. He was hit on his helmet due to minimal footwork. Elgar later claimed that the match should have been called off earlier.

Chappell admitted that nobody should have any input on what kind of surface they need, stating that good curators are like best players.

“I’ve always believed that pitch preparation should be left entirely to the ground staff. Nobody – captains, coaches or administrators – should have any input into the type of surface provided and if it turns out to be not up to standard, then the curator is the man to question.

The good curators are like the best players. They take great pride in their work. The best ones I’ve spoken to all say a similar thing: “I want the pitch to provide opportunities for all players and a result late on the fifth day,” Chappell wrote on ESPNcricinfo.

Talking about the curators, Chappell admitted curators could miss out on future international cricket because of no fault on his part.

Chappell further called for pitches that will provide good contest between bat and ball.

“I’m all for pitches that make it a contest between bat and ball. The best Test matches are the ones when this occurs. The Adelaide Oval pitch for day-night encounters has been a superb example and three enthralling Tests have ensued.

If curators are allowed to provide good pitches that challenge all players then Test cricket can be an entertaining spectacle that doesn’t unduly endanger the performers,” Chappell concluded.

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