Pat Cummins is not one to pull punches. And after Australia's series-clinching win over the West Indies, he couldn't resist taking a jab at the conditions in the ongoing India vs England Test series.
While bowlers have dominated in the Caribbean, the first two Tests between India and England have played out on surfaces that offered little to the fielding side. Only one time has a team failed to cross 300 so far in the series.
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In contrast, the pitches in the West Indies have kept batters on their toes. The Aussies bowled the hosts out for just 143 in Grenada to wrap up a 2-0 lead in the three-match series - with only one total over 300 in the entire series so far.
How did Pat Cummins reacts to Edgbaston's surface?
Speaking after Australia’s 133-run win over the Windies, Cummins pointed out the disparity between surfaces across the two series.
"I wasn't (watching India vs England), probably Marnus (Labuschagne) was, we'll keep an eye on it. Who'd want to be a bowler over there? Looking at Test cricket this week over here compared to that, looks like two different sports. It looks like it is going to be a good series, 1-1 now," Cummins said.
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His comments came after a pitch similar to that used in Edgbaston saw England concede over 1000 runs and collapse on the final day to lose by 336 runs. Ben Stokes described the surface as resembling a subcontinent pitch.
What did Shubman Gill say about pitches used in India vs England Test series?
India captain Shubman Gill also weighed in. He voiced concern over how lifeless pitches affect the balance of the game.
"I think there should be a little help at least. If the ball is doing something, you enjoy playing. If you know there is only 20 overs of any help, then the game loses its essence," Gill said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
He pointed to the added challenge of maintaining a deteriorating ball and bowling without much assistance, highlighting how tough it has been for pacers like Siraj and Akash Deep despite their recent success.
With the series levelled at 1-1, the focus now shifts to Lord's where the third Test starts on July 10. Both teams will hope for more balanced conditions.
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