The first Test between Australia and South Africa at Brisbane’s Gabba has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The match was completed in two days, with Australia defeating the Proteas by six wickets. In the first innings, South Africa were bowled out for 152. They were then dismissed for 99 shortly after tea on Day 2, giving Australia a 34-run target. The home side chased down the target to take a lead of 1-0 in the series.
After 19 wickets fell on Day 2 and 15 on Day 1, concerns have been raised about the preparation of the green Gabba pitch. Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag also chimed in, blasting Australia for preparing a pitch that saw a match result in just two days.
Taking to Twitter, Sehwag wrote, “142 overs and not even lasting 2 days and they have the audacity to lecture on what kind of pitches are needed. Had it happened in India, it would have been labelled end of test cricket, ruining test cricket and what not. The Hypocrisy is mind-boggling.”
Here is Virender Sehwag’s tweet
142 overs and not even lasting 2 days and they have the audacity to lecture on what kind of pitches are needed. Had it happened in India, it would have been labelled end of test cricket, ruining test cricket and what not. The Hypocrisy is mind-boggling . #AUSvSA
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 18, 2022
South Africa captain Dean Elgar was also surprised by the wicket’s behaviour and asked the umpires if the green Gabba wicket was safe for Test cricket. “You’ve got to ask yourself if that’s a good advertisement for our format. 34 wickets in two days, pretty one-sided affair I would say,” the Proteas captain told reporters. “I don’t think it was a very good Test wicket, no.”
The teams will next meet on Boxing Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the second Test. During the national anthems at the Boxing Day Test, Australia and South Africa players will all wear floppy hats in tribute to cricket legend Shane Warne.
For the duration of the match, his Test cap number, 350, will be painted squarely on the wicket. At 3.50pm on Boxing Day, a graphic of Warne will be shown on the MCG screens, and highlights of the famous Victorian will be shown throughout the game. When attending the second Test of the series, fans are encouraged to wear a floppy hat and apply Warne’s trademark zinc cream.
