India Discriminated At MCG; Net Session Sparks Furore: Australia Resort To Dirty Tricks Ahead Of Boxing Day Test


A major controversy has hit the Boxing Day Test

Photo : Times Now

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • A major controversy has hit the Boxing Day Test
  • India were provided with used pitches for their net session
  • Australia’s first net session is taking place on Monday

Australia has adopted controversial methods ahead of the Boxing Day Tests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with the choice of pitches provided to both teams for their practice session coming under the scanner following Indian pacer Akash Deep’s scathing words brought the issue to the limelight.

For those unversed, the Indian team practised at the MCG on Saturday (December 19) and Sunday (December 20). An injury scare for Rohit Sharma became a key talking point after the Indian captain was hit on the knee by a delivery and needed immediate treatment from the physio.

Addressing the media, Akash questioned the tracks and claimed they were used pitches which are meant for white-ball cricket.

“I feel these wickets are meant for white-ball cricket. The bounce was low, and it was difficult for batters to leave deliveries,” said Akash in a press conference.

Pitch Provided To India For Net Session

India Net Session Pitch
India Net Session Pitch

On Monday (December 22) while the Indian team was taking a break, the Australian side gathered for their first net session since assembling in Melbourne. The pitches provided to the home side are completely different with the Pat Cummins-led side practising on fresh pitches which are faster while having more pace and bounce.

Pitch Provided For Australia For Net Session

MCG Australia pitch
MCG Australia pitch

MCG’s pitch curator Matt Pags defended the decision and claimed fresh tracks are only provided to a team three days before a Test match begins.

“We got the schedule of the Indian team well ahead. But we usually give match-centric wickets three days before the match. It’s applicable for all teams,” said Pags in an interaction with the media.

The Boxing Day Test is a vital one for both teams, with the series level 1-1 after three Tests. Not only is the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) at stake going into the final two matches of the series, but both teams are still in the hunt to reach the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final.





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