Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting on Monday came down heavily on the pitch for the Big Bash League game between Sydney Thunder and Perth Scotchers which is being played in Sydney Showground Stadium. Ponting, commentating in the game, called the pitch ‘substandard’ and expressed apprehension about pitches like these attracting young talents.
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The Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scotchers game turned out be a low scoring affair. Batting first, Sydney put up a target of 137. The pitch of the stadium proved too tough for batters score quick runs, with the cracks on the pitch making spinners’ jobs more easy.
Scotchers spinner Ashton Agar took opportunity of the conditions, picking up two wickets in his four overs by conceding just 6 runs. He even had a maiden over, which is a rarity in T20 cricket.
The uneven wicket drew criticism from Ricky Ponting, who criticised the pitch while commentating in the game.
“The wicket that we are seeing tonight is substandard for BBL. Sydney Thunders have been a struggling team. How are you going to attract young players of Australia or even overseas players to come and play at your club if they’re going to play in a wicket like that? That’s a concern I’ve got. I’ve always thought this is an inconsistent surface,” Ponting said.
Pitch has been a talking point in different games off late, with IND vs SA 2nd Test’s pitch being criticised heavily. The match ended in 5 sessions, with the Newlands pitch likely to receive demerit points.
