For a couple of days now, there has been a debate over the pitch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The ICC rated pitch as quite an average and said it as substandard. Now, the statement by the ICC didn’t go down well with former Australian players including Michael Vaughan and Mitchell Johnson and slammed the cricketing body for their statement. Aakash Chopra replied to his tweets and said that the pitch had an even bounce which was evitable on the day 1 of the Test match itself. Sachin Tendulkar Calls for More Perth Like Pitches, Opposes ICC’s Decision of Rating It Average.
The two then resorted into a verbal exchange as the Australian pacer hit back at Chopra and said that the ICC officials had been a little harsh as the pitch was good. Aakash however, replied to him stating that pitch at Perth did not deserve a good rating at all. Check out the series of tweet exchanged between the two players. ICC Rates India vs Australia 2nd Test Match Pitch at Perth Stadium as 'Average'
Nothing wrong with it. It was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball for a change and not these dull flat tracks being served up constantly. I’d actually be interested in knowing what a good pitch is? Hope for another exciting test at the MCG 🏏 https://t.co/Q1vOYm6AaB
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
Aakash reminded Johnson about the bouncer bowled by Hanuma Vihari.
Vihari bowled a bouncer on the ‘first day’ to dismiss a well set Harris. I rest my case 🙌🙏 https://t.co/gELNtmLUuI
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
Here’s another one.
You spoke of natural deterioration that leads to variable bounce. That ball was a reflection of variable bounce on the first day. Not dangerous then. But yes...that Shami spell on day four was close to dangerous....felt that player safety was in question. Therefore the rating. https://t.co/AlE4Me9Iko
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
Johnson still disagrees with Chopra.
I never said that I want to see cricket on feather beds..ICC rated the pitch ‘Average’-I agree with their neutral observation based on the feedback of match officials. You don’t. We r entitled to have our own opinions. FOE. Too bad if the pitches you played on got a ‘good’ rating
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
The argument finally closes.
Too late in Melbourne..just landed...body clock still set on Perth timings. Chanced upon your observation somehow...enough reasons for commenting to you directly? ☺️😉✌️Merry Christmas in advance...see you on the Boxing Day. Hopefully MCG wont be a road like last year... 🤞
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
Mitchell Johnson anyway has been at the receiving end for his opinion column on Virat Kohli where he labelled the Indian captain as silly and disrespectful. The comment was made after Virat Kohli and Tim Paine exchanged a frosty handshake. He even got into a spat on Twitter with the Indian fans and defended himself.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 23, 2018 02:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).