Board of Control for Cricket in India Feels 'Nothing Wrong' in Nagpur Pitch: Reports
Board of Control for Cricket in India, according to reports, feels that there are discrepancies in Jeff Crowe's report to the International Cricket Council on the quality of the Nagpur pitch.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India, according to reports, is likely to contradict International Cricket Council match referee Jeff Crowe's report on the 'poor' quality of the Nagpur pitch. The Orange City hosted the third India versus South Africa Test from November 25. (
The much-maligned Nagpur pitch faced ICC's ire after India thrashed South Africa inside three days. The wicket at Jamtha, that aided the spin bowlers, came under fire from critics across the world. (India vs South Africa: Nagpur Pitch Rated Poor by International Cricket Council)
However, the BCCI is likely to challenge Crowe's report. Media reports, quoting a BCCI official, indicate that there was 'nothing wrong' with the Nagpur pitch. The ICC, on December 1, said the pitch was "poor" and needed a review.
BCCI believes the term "excessive turn is subjective" and it depends on the ability of the bowler to extract the right amount of turn, said a Board official. India have until December 15 to send their reply to ICC.
India defeated South Africa 3-0 in a four-Test series. Two matches - Mohali and Nagpur - ended inside three days. The nature of the pitch overshadowed a glorious bowling performance by India's spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Amit Mishra. (Shastri Flays Pitch Critics)
Team India director Ravi Shastri hit back at pitch critics by saying: "The pitch was absolutely not a problem. It's on both sides...You have to stop cribbing and get on with the job at hand." .(Amla Admits Nagpur Pitch 'Toughest' he Has Played on)
Former Test batsman Sunil Gavaskar also defended Nagpur's pitch and said South Africa did not have the knowledge and temperament to play on such surfaces. (India vs South Africa: Sunil Gavaskar Hits Back at Indian Pitch Critics)
If indeed found to be poor, the ICC penalties (for Nagpur) range from a warning and/or a fine of $15,000 with a directive to institute corrective measures. Nagpur is the home city of BCCI president Shashank Manohar.