The current World Test champions South Africa stunned hosts India as they defeated them by 30 runs in the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16. With this, the Protea also registered their
first Test win in India after 15 years and also took a lead of 1-0 in a two-match Test series. Despite an easy target of 123 runs, India were bowled out for just 93 runs on day three of the Test match as South Africa registered a famous victory.
It turned out to be a low-scoring contest where none of the sides could reach the 200-run mark in both the innings. Due to this, the fans and former cricketers have been criticising the Indian team management for preparing the pitch highly favouring the spinners and there is no support for the batters due to sharp turn and uneven bounce. Former cricketer and current Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Sourav Ganguly slammed the Indian team for the pitch at Eden Gardens.
“The pitch is what the Indian camp wanted. This is what happens when you don’t water the pitch for four days. Curator Sujan Mukherjee can’t be blamed," Ganguly told News18 Bangla.
RIP Test cricket: Harbhajan Singh takes digs at Eden Gardens pitch for 1st IND vs SA Test
Not only Sourav Ganguly, several other cricketers from India and other countries, slammed the Indian team management as the first Test match ended in two and a half days. Former spinner Harbhajan Singh shared a post on his X where he wrote “Test cricket india vs South Africa the game almost over on 2nd day isn’t finished yet . What a mockery of test cricket #RIPTESTCRICKET.”
Former Australian cricketer Aaron Finch also showed concern over the Kolkata pitch for the first Test. Sharing his thoughts on X, Finch wrote, “What are your thoughts on the type of wicket we are seeing in kolkata? I love seeing fielders crowding the bat and the ball spinning big, makes for great viewing. Interested to hear how others see it.”
