Former Australian closer Michael Kasprowicz has observed that the on-pitch talk surrounding the ongoing Test series in India has been blown out of proportion. He believes that the wickets have behaved as they should.
While the launch in Nagpur and Delhi didn’t spark any debate, the platform in Indore came under the scanner as it had turned sharply since the first session. The spinners claimed 26 of the 31 wickets as Australia won in two and a half days.
Speaking to The Age, Kasprowicz acknowledges that the wicket at Indore was a slight anomaly, mainly due to the morning’s dampness. However, the 51-year-old believes he behaved normally later that day.
“I don’t believe the hype, I think because of all the attention around the launches, it was typically Indian grounds. I realize this last one in Indore pulled some tricks early on, but because they’re starting so early ( 9.30am), maybe that bit of moisture helps grip the ball. But at other stages later in the day, I wasn’t doing any of that.”
The Queenslander, a key player in Australia’s series victory in India 19 years ago, remembers how the Bengaluru track in 1998 seemed like a minefield. He said:
“When I say don’t believe the hype I know the strange ball was spinning and scored low but I remember coming to the Bangalore Test in 1998 and I have a picture of me standing on the wicket. Honestly it looks like bed from a dry stream.No grass, but it has these cracks and spider cracks all over its face.
Kasprowicz added:
“And you just go well, like that’s what we’re going to play. And guess what? We have to adapt and adjust. That’s the Test cricket game.”
The track at Holkar Stadium was given a poor rating as match referee Chris Broad stated that it did not offer a good balance between bat and ball. Furthermore, Indian and Australian cricket pundits condemned the ground as bad publicity for Test cricket.
“Head and Marnus hit very well” – Michael Kasprowicz
Reflecting on Australia’s convincing victory in Indore, Kasprowicz praised his stamina and after stumbling in the first two tests. The 51-year-old added:
“Obviously, after the Delhi experience of that second innings, the Aussies adapted to the conditions and did very well. And so, in the second innings, they were 1/76 and passed. Head and Marnus batted very well. They found a way, and that’s what Australia has been known to do for all these years.”
Travis Head was the top scorer with an unbeaten 49 as Australia comfortably chased the fourth innings target of 76. The fourth and final test will start on March 9 in Ahmedabad.