SYDNEY, (Reuters) – Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has teamed up with India’s mate, Ravichandran Ashwin, to defend Ahmedabad’s spin-friendly pitch where India beat England inside two days of the third test during the on Thursday.
Several former English players questioned the suitability of the pitch after 30 wickets fell in five innings in what was the shortest test match completed since 1935.
Ashwin launched an angry defense of the track on Saturday citing similar batting falls in recent daytime tests, saying batters were still not used to the pink-ball novelty.
The spinner in Lyon was delighted with the turn and was critical of the pitch he offered.
“We play on sewing wickets all over the world and are bowled out at 47, 60. Nobody ever says a thing (about the pitch),” Lyon was quoted by the Associated Press of Australia.
“But as soon as it starts spinning, everyone in the world seems to start crying for it.
“I don’t get it. I’m all for it, it was entertaining. ”
The 33-year-old, former field curator himself, said he was up all night watching the match.
“It was absolutely fantastic. I am considering bringing that curator out to the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground). “
He was also entertained by England’s decision to quickly attack a nightjar’s paradise with Jack Leach as their only specialist spinner.
The blunder of choice was all the more noticeable as part-time spinner and sprinter Joe Root went on to claim his first five-wicket haul.
“The best thing about this test game that has just passed is that England have gone in with four sailors,” said Lyon.
“That will do me. I need say no more. ”
Lyon’s views echoed Ashwin, who reverted to claims that Ahmedabad’s pitch was not a good surface as it aided the spinners.
“What makes a good surface? Who defines this? Game on first day, then bat well, then spin on last two days? Come on, who makes all these rules? We need to get over it, ”said Ashwin.