The Cricket World Cup semi-finals have been marred by controversy surrounding the pitches, with accusations of last-minute swaps and concerns over the playing conditions. Earlier reports hinted at the Ahmedabad Pitch for the World Cup final being a used one, adding fuel to the ongoing debate.
The dramatic first semi-final clash between cricket giants India and New Zealand not only intensified the pitch controversy but also set the stage for an exhilarating spectacle. Accusations of a last-minute switch involving the Board of Control for Cricket India added an extra layer of intrigue to the match. Despite the pre-match drama, the encounter evolved into a high-scoring spectacle, captivating cricket enthusiasts worldwide. In a closely contested battle, India emerged victorious, showcasing their prowess on the field.
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The drama extended to the second semi-final, where Australia faced off against South Africa on another used pitch. The Aussies, chasing a modest target of 213 runs, found themselves in a precarious position, losing seven wickets during the run-chase. Pacer Mitchell Starc, when questioned about potential concerns for the final given the nature of the run-chase against South Africa, responded with a cheeky remark.
“I guess we’ll find out when we get to Ahmedabad tomorrow and see if it’s a fresh wicket or an old wicket,” Starc quipped during a press conference.
Reflecting on the pitch at the Eden Gardens, Starc acknowledged its challenging nature, describing it as a “bare wicket.” He highlighted the inconsistencies in pace and the difficulties faced by batsmen during the initial overs. Starc credited teammate Josh Hazlewood for his exceptional performance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum through the middle phase of the game.
When pressed on whether it was surprising to play on a pitch that didn’t “showcase the one-day game” in a tournament where high-scoring encounters have been the norm, Starc admitted he isn’t an expert in reading pitches. He mentioned the noticeable turn on the practice wicket and suggested that the pitch used for the match had seen previous action, explaining the unexpected seam movement.
Controversies aside, Starc maintained a pragmatic view, acknowledging that cricket fans sometimes appreciate a balanced contest between bat and ball. As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the World Cup final, the spotlight remains on Ahmedabad’s pitch, with speculations and discussions about its nature adding an extra layer of intrigue to the pinnacle clash of this prestigious tournament.
