Former Australian Chinaman Brad Hogg after seeing the 2nd test between India and South Africa at the Newlands Cricket Ground which produced extraordinary bounce, shared his 2 cents on Pitch rating debates by claiming that ratings should be given based on the reputation of a particular venue over some time.
Brad Hogg took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his views on the matter, stating that different types of surfaces are necessary for the game’s growth. His comments came after the conclusion of the 2nd test between India and South Africa which did not even last 2 entire days.
Pitch ratings should be decided on the venues reputation over a period of time for what it is known for. If it deviates from it's known nature and characteristics it should receive a lower rating. Cricket needs varied surfaces to cricket different challenges. #INDvSA
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) January 5, 2024
The all-important test finished within 1 and a half days in the scenic venue at Cape Town, raising doubts over the longevity of the red-ball format. A total of 23 wickets fell on the 1st day itself which became the 2nd highest record of most wickets on a single day and it comes after the record of 25 wickets fell in a test match between arch-rivals Australia and England way back in 1904.
We have had many instances in the past where matches remained draw even after 5 days of play but owing to the rise of T20 cricket, it seems as if the impact has started taking place in the longest format as well. Brad Hogg took note of India’s 1st inning bowling performance which saw the Proteas bundle out for 55 (in the 1st session) with Mohammed Siraj claiming 6 wickets alone.
When India came on to bat, nothing similar happened but after putting 153 runs on the board, it was the captivating bounce that helped the home seamers claim 6 wickets without a run conceded. As a result, the 3rd innings had to start on Day 1 only before India chased down 79 runs to cap off a 2-day test affair.
Former Indian cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar and Aakash Chopra would put forward their arguments on the Newlands track, stating that if India produces turning pitches, it becomes a problem but when foreign nations tailor-make tracks in their favor, then Indian players take the bullet.
Brad Hogg Claims If Pitches Deviate From their original State Then They Must Receive Low Ratings
Brad Hogg who retired from International cricket after picking up 1031 wickets, claimed that if a particular pitch behaves or deviates from behaving in its usual way, then it should be reprimanded and receive low ratings as a result. He also emphasized the fact that there is a need for surfaces like grassy, red soil, and black soil to ensure there is enough variation.