India is all set to host Australia for a four-match Test series in just a few days. Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar trophy, a major talking point has been that the visitors are not playing any tour matches. Meanwhile, the visiting team has already fired numerous shots at India.
Former Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy was the latest member to criticise India, defending Australia’s decision not to play a single tour match in the subcontinent ahead of the crucial series. His remarks followed Usman Khawaja’s sensational statement that it was pointless to play a warm-up match because the wickets differ drastically when the action shifts to the main event.
“Have you ever been pre-tour with us (Australia)? They can be spinning wickets when we play but we go to the practice matches and they are green Gabba-like wickets out there (in India), so what’s the point,” Khawaja had said during a press conference earlier this month.
Healy agreed with Khawaja’s statement and discussed it on SEN Radio. “We’ve gathered our spinners in Sydney for strategic talks (on replica India surfaces)… we no longer trust that the requested facilities will be provided for a nation,” the former wicketkeeper said.
“We’ve been part of this shenanigan too by the way… when we’re over (in England) we spend our time whinging about weakened County teams that England put up as our opposition before the series.”
Our focus in cricket has shifted: Ian Haley
Further, on the subject, Healy stated that he is not a fan of having two sets of wickets prepared for tour and actual matches. “Our focus in cricket has shifted from creating opportunities and experiences for our best up and coming cricketers… now we deny touring teams quality preparation before very highly anticipated series and I don’t like it.
“It’s disappointing to watch such dismantling of trust between cricket’s nations and it needs to stop,” added Healy.
