South African collapse prompts commentary from players past and present
Nagpur turner sparks Twitter backlash
Players past and present have poured scorn on the turning pitch in Nagpur for the third India v South Africa Test as wickets tumbled to spin.
India struggled to 215 on day one on a pitch that was already crumbling and taking considerable turn, before South Africa reached stumps at 2-11. On day two, however, it was a procession of batsmen undone by the prodigious turn and uneven bounce.
South Africa lost their final eight wickets in 90 minutes on day two, slipping to 79 all out. India secured a 136-run lead on the first innings – 20 minutes before lunch on the second day.
It prompted a barrage of incredulous tweets from players past and present, with former England captain Michael Vaughan among the most vocal.
This pitch in Nagpur is nothing short of diabolical for Test Cricket ... Telling me that was prepared to last 5 days..!!!!!!!!!!
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 26, 2015
Test Cricket needs a championship more than ever now,so when poor pitches are prepared the Home team gets docked points .. #ICC
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 26, 2015
Australia's Glenn Maxwell, no stranger to playing in India after several successful seasons in the Indian Premier League was outraged.
This wicket is diabolical!! 9 legitimate wicket chances in the first hour with 3 plays and misses every over! #day2 #minefield #INDvSA
— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) November 26, 2015
In response to a tweet about 'flat pitches' in Australia, Maxwell added: "Definitely agree! I'd just love to see an even contest between bat & ball."
South Africa limited-overs specialist David Miller was somewhat more circumspect but his opinion no less obvious.
Very interesting wicket and it's only day 2. #SAvIndia
— David Miller (@DavidMillerSA12) November 26, 2015
Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden was one of the most outspoken. Hayden swept his way to success on Australia's historic 2001 tour and took the surface to task much as he did India's spinners during his epic Chennai double ton.
How disappointing it is to see the quality of Test Cricket reduced to what we are witnessing #INDvsSA @StarSportsIndia #justnotcricket
— Matthew Hayden AM (@HaydosTweets) November 26, 2015
Baffles me why our great game needs to tamper with conditions in favour for results. Amazing quality teams #letitbe @StarSportsIndia
— Matthew Hayden AM (@HaydosTweets) November 26, 2015
Hayden, engaging with fans, added "If I didn't know any better I would think I am watching day 6. As fans are we happy?"
"No this is not pitch tampering it is just called over prepared It is good to see turn just not so early," Hayden added.
As news of South Africa's collapse spread, other prominent cricket identities added their thoughts on the Nagpur pitch.
Some wicket in Nagpur for #INDvSA. India lead by 136 after scoring 215 in the 1st dig. Love to read the match referees report. #minefield
— Trent Johnston (@Green23) November 26, 2015
Now @ABdeVilliers17 out for a duck.. It's all happening in Nagpur @BCCI v @OfficialCSA
— Damien Martyn (@damienmartyn) November 26, 2015