Cricket

The first semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, was marred by a controversial pitch that drew sharp criticism from observers and participants alike. The pitch exhibited extreme unevenness, with balls rolling along the ground and others rearing off a similar length, making it a nightmare for batsmen.Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott expressed his disappointment, stating that the pitch was not suitable for a World Cup semi-final. He emphasized the importance of a fair contest and criticized the excessive bounce and seam movement that made it difficult for batsmen to play with confidence.South Africa captain Aiden Markram echoed Trott's concerns, acknowledging that while T20 cricket should be entertaining, the wicket was excessively challenging. He suggested that the pitch may have been better suited for a different game.Tom Moody, speaking on ESPNcricinfo's analysis show Timeout, condemned the pitch as unfit for any level of cricket. He stressed the need for consistent bounce, which was lacking on this surface. Moody also pointed out the "crazy paving" effect, where dense grass around cracks created unpredictable bounce.Andy Flower, another commentator on Timeout, agreed with Moody's assessment. He described the pitch as "very, very tough" for batsmen and expressed concern about the safety of players. He suggested using a previously used pitch to ensure more consistent bounce.The Brian Lara Cricket Academy pitch has been the site of several low-scoring matches in this World Cup, including scores of 40 all out, 78 all out, and 95 all out. The only competitive match on this pitch was West Indies' narrow defense of 149, but even they struggled early on.The controversy surrounding the pitch raises questions about the suitability of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy for international cricket. Despite being a newer venue, it has failed to provide a consistent and fair playing surface. The lack of a suitable pitch in Trinidad, home to the legendary Queen's Park Oval, is also a concern.

England's tour of India has taken an intriguing turn as they prepare for the fourth Test in Ranchi. The tourists were greeted by an unusual-looking pitch at the JSCA International Stadium, raising questions about its potential behavior during the match.Vice-captain Ollie Pope acknowledged that if the pitch starts spinning from the first ball, it would create an even playing field. Ben Stokes, England's captain, is considering reverting to the spin-heavy attack used in the first two Tests, with off-spinner Shoaib Bashir a possible inclusion.Ollie Robinson, who has been on the sidelines for most of the series, is set to replace Mark Wood, who needs a rest after the defeat in the third Test. Robinson has been working hard on his fitness and skills during his time in India, and Stokes praised his dedication and professionalism.Stokes also addressed the criticism that followed England's heavy defeat in Rajkot, saying that it is part of the sport and that the team needs to move on quickly. He emphasized the importance of individual reflection on performances rather than focusing solely on the result.England's ability to turn the tide after setbacks was highlighted by Stokes, who pointed to their comebacks from opening defeats in the South Africa and Australia series. He stressed the team's focus on maintaining a level vibe and playing to the best of their abilities, regardless of the outcome.