The pitch served for the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test between India and Australia at Holkar Stadium in Indore has become a topic of debate.
On a track that offered sharp turn, India were bowled out for 109 and 163 across the two innings and eventually lost the match by nine wickets inside three days.
In their first essay, the visitors also struggled badly as their innings folded for 197 while they lose only one wicket in the chase of 76 runs.
After the game, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh slammed the Indore pitch, stating that even some of the greatest batters would have found it tough.
Notably, the pitch for the third Test has been rated “poor” by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
"As a batter, it is very difficult to survive even if you have a good defense. You might be (Sachin) Tendulkar, (Jacques) Kallis, Brian Lara or Virat Kohli, even an unknown bowler will dismiss you on this pitch if you play six balls continuously," said Harbhajan on Star Sports.
Harbhajan further stated that he would like to see Indian bowlers earn their wickets. "Your batters were not working hard but laboring on this pitch because you didn't know at all where the ball was going. I want your bowlers also to do some hard work because are they capable of winning you the match while defending 250 runs on the fourth or fifth day when there is slight help from the pitch?" he said.
In particular, Harbhajan is furious by the fact that someone like Joe Root has claimed a five-wicket haul on an Indian pitch.
It is pertinent to mention here that Root returned with the figures of 5 for 8 in Ahmedabad in a Test match that lasted just two days in February 2021.
"Nathan Lyon picked up eight wickets. He is an extremely skilled bowler. R Ashwin is a great bowler but I am troubled when bowlers like Joe Root come and pick up five wickets in five overs. Test wickets are being given to anyone. Your skill should give you the wickets and your skill should score runs," said Harbhajan.
The fourth and final Test between India and Australia will be played in Ahmedabad from March 9.
