The Eden track has become the centre of debate after 16 wickets fell on Day 2.
Former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh didn’t mince his words as he slammed the quality of the Eden Gardens pitch being used for the ongoing first Test between India and South Africa.
The Eden track has become the centre of debate after 16 wickets fell on Day 2. Resuming at 37/1, the hosts were bowled out for 189, but Ravindra Jadeja (4/29) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/12) reduced the Proteas to 93/7 at stumps, with the visitors holding a slender lead of 63 runs.
The playing surface came under severe scrutiny after the second day’s play, with many labelling it as “unsporting”. Harbhajan also joined the bandwagon, citing that such deteriorating pitches are detrimental to the health of Test cricket.
“Just two days are done and we are able to see which way the game is going,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel. “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 argued that even India batting legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli would struggle to runs on this pitch.
“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 remarked.
“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,” he added.
South Africa’s second innings folded for 153 in the morning innings on Day 3 to set a target of 124 for India to chase.
The hosts went to Lunch break with 10/2 on the board, needing 114 more runs with seven wickets in hand as skipper Shubman Gill won’t be able to bat due to neck injury.