Rohit Sharma, Akash Deep Escape Injury on Uneven MCG Practice Pitches
As Rohit Sharma and Akash Deep overcome an injury scare before Boxing Day Test which raised concerns over MCG practice pitch quality.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] December 23: Tensions between India and Australia rose ahead of the Boxing Day Test as the Indian cricket team voiced dissatisfaction with the practice pitches at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). After Rohit Sharma and Akash Deep barely, avoided injuries during training on the “used and uneven” pitches given in the outdoor nets, speculations of a deliberate conspiracy against the Indian team started to circulate.
Concerns Over Practice Facilities
According to reports, the management of the Indian squad was unhappy with the state of the practice pitches and declared them unsuitable for safe training. Sources close to the team stated that surface fissures and uneven bounce presented a major risk to safety of the players. The incident sparked debate among fans and experts alike, questioning the fairness of the practice conditions provided to the visitors.
MCG Curator Responds
Amid growing speculation, MCG curator Matt Page dismissed allegations of foul play. He clarified, “It’s standard procedure to rotate practice wickets to balance usage and maintain pitch quality for upcoming matches.” Page further explained that the surfaces offered to both teams were equally prepared and not intentionally degraded.
Players Express Relief
Despite the injury scare, Rohit Sharma and Akash Deep appeared unharmed and continued their preparation for the eagerly awaited Test. Even Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour downplayed the incident, saying “It was concerning, but luckily, no one got injured. We’re focusing on our performance and moving forward.”
Fans and Experts React
The incident sparked a lot of reactions on social media as fans expressed their frustration about the alleged abuse of the Indian team. Harsha Bhogle, a cricket analyst, commented, “Such situations are unfortunate and avoidable. Safety should always come first for all players.”
Mutual Respect Urged
While tensions build between the two teams, calls for equitable treatment and respect in cricket are growing. With the Boxing Day Test drawing getting close, both the teams aim to turn their focus to the game and preserve the spirit of cricket.
India’s concerns over practice conditions have reignited discussions about hosting standards in international cricket, emphasizing the importance of safety and parity for all teams.
By Manasa Permulla
What's Your Reaction?
