The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium pitch in which India faced Ireland has come under fierce criticism with former cricketers Irfan Pathan and Micheal Vaughan categorizing it as unsafe.
“Look, we definitely want to promote cricket in America, but this pitch is not safe for players. If we had a pitch like this in India, a match would never be played there again for a very long time. This pitch is definitely not good. I mean, we are talking about the World Cup here, not even a bilateral series,” Pathan said on Star Sports as quoted by PTI.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was hit flush on right bicep by a delivery from Ireland bowler Josh Little on Wednesday, which suddenly took off from length. Rohit had to retire hurt after scoring a 50 and at halfway stage in second innings but is expected to not miss any time out.
“Trying to sell the game in the states is great .. love it .. but for players to have to play on this sub standard surface in New York is unacceptable .. You work so hard to make it to the WC then have to play on this,” former England player Vaughan tweeted.
“Yeah, just a little sore (the arm). I said it at the toss as well. Quite unsure of what to expect from the pitch. Not aware on what it is to play like on a pitch that’s five months old,” Rohit said at the presentation ceremony after India defeated Ireland.
“I don’t think the wicket settled down even when we batted second. There was enough for the bowlers,” he added.
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