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‘24 hours ago there were…’: Shastri savagely trolls Hayden, ex-Aussie stars for accusing IND of ‘doctoring’ Nagpur pitch
The proceedings on Day 1 saw spinners generating turn, however, it was not as threatening as the ex-Australian cricketers had predicted.
Team India started the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on a strong note in Nagpur, pushing Australia on the backfoot right from the word go. The tourists, who opted to bat in the series opener, were packed well inside Day 1 as star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja claimed five wickets to help his side pack the visitors for 177.
In response, Rohit Sharma got India off to a strong start with his deputy KL Rahul perfectly playing second fiddle as India piled 77/1 before umpires called for stumps on Day 1. Rahul was packed for 20 off 71 balls, with debutant Todd Murphy claiming his wicket. Rohit, on the other hand, smashed a half-century and will resume the proceedings along with night watchman R Ashwin, who arrived in the middle with one over of play remaining on the opening day.
Ahead of the clash, there was plenty of chatter from former Australia cricketers and media regarding the pitch. They also accused the hosts of “doctoring” the pitch to produce a rank turner to put India in an advantageous position.
The proceedings on Day 1 saw spinners generating turn, however, it was not as threatening as the ex-Australian cricketers had predicted. Although Jadeja and Ashwin combined and dismissed eight Australian batters, but it was more about class and clinical bowling rather than assistance from the surface.
Rohit and Rahul also tackled the Australian spin attack led by Nathan Lyon quite easily, allowing former India coach Ravi Shastri to take a swipe at the allegations labelled by Australia.
The moment took place while Shastri was doing commentary alongside Australia legend Matthew Hayden on Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Matthew Hayden: “Look at that fellas, degree of turn!”
Ravi Shastri: "I can't read that Haydos (Hayden). I see that wickets column, which is still zero. What happened now, what happened to the talks about pitch. 24 hours ago there were lots of noises."
Coming back to the match, trailing by just 100 runs and with nine wickets in hand, India will eye for a gigantic lead against Pat Cummins and Co. on Days 2. Australia, on the other hand, will hope for a change in fortune, having been blown away by India in all departments on Day 1.
