Harbhajan Singh on Eden Gardens pitch (Source: @gyanudatt8/x.com, @harbhajan_singh/x.com)
After six long years, Test cricket returned to Kolkata, and within just two days, the excitement turned to disappointment as the match was on its way to an end. As the bowlers put on the storm, the batters’ job becomes challenging on the surface.
At the end of day 2, the match was already ended, and day three is now just waiting for the result, and the pitch faced immense criticism. Former cricket stars didn’t hold back either, taking sharp digs at the surface for producing such a premature finish.
Harbhajan Singh hits out at the controversial Eden Gardens surface
After the historic Pink Ball Test in 2019, Kolkata waited for a Test match, and when the IND vs SA was scheduled at the iconic venue, the city caught the cricket fever early on. But the excitement turned into heartbreak as the match is now set to be concluded on day 3. On the evening of day 2, South Africa was reeling on 93/7, and the pitch grabbed attention.
Former cricketers from India and across the globe criticised the Eden Gardens pitch as it hampered the beauty of Test cricket. After the pacers dominated the pacers on the first day, spinners took charge after that, and the match is set to have an early ending. After that, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh also expressed disappointment.
“Test cricket India vs South Africa, the game almost covered on 2nd day, isn’t finished yet. What a mockery of Test cricket #RIPTESTCRICKET,” he wrote on his social media.
Overseas stars add their voices to the growing displeasure
Just not the Indian stars, some of the big names from world cricket also joined the conversation. Taking a dig at the Eden Gardens’ surface, former English star Michael Vaughan called it ‘awful’.
“Awful pitch in Kolkata…,” he said.
Joining the conversation, former Australian captain Aaron Finch also shared his words on this topic. Instead of taking sides, he sparked a wider discussion by inviting fans to share their own views on the controversial pitch.
On his Twitter handle, Finch wrote, “What are your thoughts on the type of wicket we are seeing in Kolkata? I love seeing fielders crowding the bat and ball spinning big, makes for great viewing,” he added.
After South Africa was bowled out in 159 runs and India managed to get only a 30-run lead. The second day, the bowlers enjoyed their time as 15 wickets went down in a single day, as batters had a nightmare on the field. They highlighted the excessive turn from Day 1, the erratic bounce, and the unusually early cracks that raised serious questions about the pitch.
