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Ashwin Calls Out Cricket's 'Double Standards' on Pitches
21 Nov
Summary
- Ravichandran Ashwin criticized pitch critics after 19 wickets fell on Day 1.
- He questioned if reactions would differ for India's upcoming home Test.
- The debate follows a low-scoring Ashes Test and a recent India-South Africa match.
Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced strong opinions regarding the criticism of cricket pitches. On November 21, 2025, Ashwin took to social media to address what he perceives as double standards in how challenging playing surfaces are judged. He pointed out the dramatic fall of 19 wickets on the opening day of the Ashes Test in Perth, noting that such a day was deemed "excellent." Ashwin questioned whether the same sentiment would prevail if a similar scenario unfolded in Guwahati during India's forthcoming Test against South Africa.
This commentary arises in the wake of a low-scoring affair in the first Ashes Test, where England was bowled out for 172 and Australia reached 123 for 9 by stumps. Both teams' bowlers, Mitchell Starc and Ben Stokes, had exceptional performances. The debate is further fueled by the recent Test series between India and South Africa, which concluded rapidly due to difficult batting conditions at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Ashwin's remarks sparked engagement with fans, with one user expressing a preference for watching the ball turn less on Day 1. Ashwin acknowledged this viewpoint, emphasizing that "great viewing" is subjective. The discussion underscores the ongoing debate about pitch conditions and their impact on the spectator experience and game's fairness.
