NEW DELHI: Newly-appointed Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has ignited a conversation about home advantage in Test cricket, specifically addressing the criticism India face for producing spin-friendly pitches.
During the press conference ahead of the Bangladesh Test series, Gambhir argued for a balanced perspective, stressing a perceived double standard in how quickly Test matches conclude in different conditions.
He pointed out that when matches in countries like Australia, England, and South Africa would end within two and a half days, often due to seamer-friendly conditions, it doesn’t generate the same level of scrutiny as when similar results occur in India on spin-friendly tracks.
“The thing is when you go to places like Australia, England, South Africa, the Test gets over in two and a half days, then there is not so much talk,” Gambhir said. “But when the opposition team comes to India and if the Test match gets over in two and a half days, we keep saying that there is too much help for the spinners.”
He emphasized the importance of players being able to adapt to different conditions, stating, “If there is too much help for the fast bowler, then no one talks about it. So, I think we have to be fair and clear on that front. I don’t think anywhere in the world where you can prepare a wicket where you say that this Test will go on for five days.”
“You got to have quality if you need a good Test. But you should be able to play against spin on a turning track and you should be able to play good fast bowling on a green track. So, I think this conversation or debate should end where people say that in India, when Test matches get over in two and a half days, it’s too much support for spinners. The opposition needs to learn how to play against spinners rather than talk about changing the nature of the pitch,” he concluded.
During the press conference ahead of the Bangladesh Test series, Gambhir argued for a balanced perspective, stressing a perceived double standard in how quickly Test matches conclude in different conditions.
He pointed out that when matches in countries like Australia, England, and South Africa would end within two and a half days, often due to seamer-friendly conditions, it doesn’t generate the same level of scrutiny as when similar results occur in India on spin-friendly tracks.
“The thing is when you go to places like Australia, England, South Africa, the Test gets over in two and a half days, then there is not so much talk,” Gambhir said. “But when the opposition team comes to India and if the Test match gets over in two and a half days, we keep saying that there is too much help for the spinners.”
He emphasized the importance of players being able to adapt to different conditions, stating, “If there is too much help for the fast bowler, then no one talks about it. So, I think we have to be fair and clear on that front. I don’t think anywhere in the world where you can prepare a wicket where you say that this Test will go on for five days.”
“You got to have quality if you need a good Test. But you should be able to play against spin on a turning track and you should be able to play good fast bowling on a green track. So, I think this conversation or debate should end where people say that in India, when Test matches get over in two and a half days, it’s too much support for spinners. The opposition needs to learn how to play against spinners rather than talk about changing the nature of the pitch,” he concluded.
