India vs Australia, Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins
Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins. Image Credits: Twitter

Former Australia cricketer Simon O’Donnell has asked for an intervention from the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the preparation of the Nagpur pitch for the first Border Gavaskar Trophy match starting from Thursday.

The Buzz around Nagpur’s pitch for first India vs Australia Test match has gained attention on the eve of the Border Gavaskar Trophy opener as the pitch is likely to favor the spinners and more interestingly the way the pitch curators treated the 22 yards. The Pitch was rolled only at the center of the wicket after watering it throughout.

Nagpur Pitch
Nagpur Pitch. Image Credits: Twitter

Simon O’Donnell, a former Australia all-rounder, wanted ICC interventions into this matter on speaking to SEN Breakfast O’Donnell said:

“The ICC should step in and do something about it, if they think it’s not right. If they think the pitch is not right, there’ll be an ICC referee at the game and the ICC will be watching this game. But there are so many when it comes to India, we have all of these discussions, and nothing seems to happen. If they really think there’s a pitch here that doesn’t play to the normal standards of Test cricket and the characteristics of this ground, then the ICC needs to do something,”.

“India’s Spin Will Play A Huge Role”, Feels Former Cricketer Jason Gillespie

Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie, who was part of Australia’s 2004 Test series win in India, said India is trying to attack Australia with spin as they feel that is perhaps their best bet for them to win the four-match Test series.

“I think the Indian curators are looking at a way for India to have an advantage. They potentially think spin will play a huge role and that for the best chance to beat Australia will be to play to their strength. Here in Australia, curators are under instructions to produce the best possible pitch they can prepare, that’s Australia wide,” Speaking to SEN Breakfast.

After playing the first Test at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur, India, and Australia will play the next three Tests in New Delhi (February 17-21), Dharamshala (March 1-5), and Ahmedabad (March 9-13)