“RIP Test cricket…”- Former India star reacts to Eden Gardens pitch for IND vs SA 1st Test
The former star member of the Indian cricket team, Harbhajan Singh, has reacted to the surface of the Eden Gardens in Kolkata for the opening Test between India and South Africa in the two-match series.
Indian former off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh, has slammed the quality of the Eden Gardens surface in Kolkata during the ongoing opening Test between India and South Africa, as 26 wickets fell within the first couple of days of play. On the third morning, the Proteas were bundled out for 153, setting India a target of 123 runs in the fourth innings.
Harbhajan, who contributed massively in the famous Eden Gardens 2001 Test, snapped 13 wickets, expressed that such deteriorating pitches won’t be good for the health of the longest format. In the first innings of both sides, only 348 runs were scored for 20 wickets.
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“Just two days have passed, and we can see which way the game is going. They have done RIP to Test cricket. I don’t think Test cricket has any value left. India played exceptionally well in England recently; everyone praised them. The pitches on which they played and how India fought back to win that is Test cricket, that is fun.” Harbhajan Singh expressed during a video on his YouTube channel.
Harbhajan Singh slams Eden Gardens surface during IND vs SA 1st Test in Kolkata
Harbhajan also reckoned that both the batting legends of the game for India, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, would have struggled on these types of pitches. The batters kept playing for the spinning deliveries and got dismissed by the straight balls.
“This pitch is like, you pitch the ball here and it’s turning and going elsewhere. Batters hardly know what to do. Even the likes of Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar cannot survive on such pitches because one ball will keep low, bounce extra, or turn viciously to get your wicket. So, technique is not coming into play, just the pitch.” Harbhajan shed light.
“It’s been happening for years now. When I talk about it, people tell me Why do you speak about them. I don’t think we have seen such unprepared conditions. It’s not going the right way. It’s pathetic, utter nonsense to see this. They are making fun of the game.” The former spinner explained.
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