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New Delhi: The fourth match of the Ashes series between England and Australia was held in Melbourne, which lasted only two days and ended in just two and a half sessions. If this match had taken place in India, questions would have been raised about the pitch at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). A similar situation arose in the recent Test match between India and South Africa held in Kolkata, where foreign players expressed doubts over the quality of the pitch.

There is discussion around the world that such pitches are not suitable for Test cricket. But is it valid only for one country? When such a situation arose in Australia, the veteran players there maintained silence.

Are the rules different in Asia?

When Test matches in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh end early, the pitch is criticized. This has been described as “extremely helpful”, leading to matches not being played until the fourth or fifth day. Whereas in Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand in recent years, many Test matches have ended in just two or three days, but there is no discussion on this. A Test between India and South Africa in January 2024 was completed in one and a half days. Even in Australia, more challenging pitches are being seen instead of traditional stable pitches.

Only two days of play in Ashes

In the recent Ashes Test played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, 20 wickets fell on the first day itself, and on the second day Australia was all out for 132 runs, while England achieved the target. Thus the entire Test match ended in just two days. If this had happened in India, there would have been a huge uproar on social media, but there has been no significant reaction from cricket experts for the Melbourne pitch.

Monty Panesar raised questions

Former England spinner Monty Panesar spoke openly on this double standards. He says that if 15-16 wickets fall within a day in India, everyone starts complaining, but when in Australia or England the ball seams or swings more, then no one pays attention to it. According to Panesar, if Test cricket is to be sustained, the matches should be played for at least 4-5 days. Tests finishing in just two days neither justify the reputation of the Ashes nor are good for the future of the game.

Questions on Australian pitches too

Panesar also said that when Australia had already won the Ashes, they should have made a more balanced pitch. He raised questions on pitches with 10 mm grass and said that having so much grass ends the match quickly, which is not suitable for Test cricket.