Sunil Gavaskar tears into Mackay pitch and ICC referees; calls out 'staggering double standards': 'Brazen hypocrisy'

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar questioned the apparent double standards in the way Test pitches are assessed after Australia ’s clash against Bangladesh in Mackay ended inside two days. The Pat Cummins-led side stormed back in the two-Test match series after winning by an innings and 51 runs. The hosts didn't let the visitors surpass the 100-run mark even once in the contest, and in the end, the series ended at 1-1.

Writing in his Sportstar column, Gavaskar pointed out that four Tests in Australia have now finished within two days in recent years, yet the pitches involved have not attracted the same criticism often directed at Indian surfaces when matches end early. Last year, two Tests in the Ashes also ended in two days, at Perth and Melbourne.

Gavaskar questioned the familiar argument that batters simply lacked the technique to handle extreme pace and bounce. If both teams struggle to produce substantial partnerships, he argued, the pitch cannot be completely absolved of responsibility.

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"So, another Test match in Australia has finished within two days. This has happened four times there in the last few years. And we are yet to hear any criticism of the trampoline-bounce pitches that produce such results. The excuses will come thick and fast. ‘Oh, the groundsman, sorry, turf executive, got it wrong. He went by the weather forecast, which predicted some hot weather, so he left a little more grass, and that led to the excessive bounce.’ Or the other cricketing excuse that the batters didn’t have the technique to cope with the bounce, and it wasn’t the fault of the pitch. This last excuse could be faintly accepted if the home team batters had batted well, but when even the home batters can’t stitch a run or a decent partnership together, then what does it tell you about the pitch?" Gavaskar wrote.

The 1983 World Cup winner also said that it wasn't surprising to see Australia resorting to a pacy pitch after losing the series opener. He also said it ended the myth that the SENA countries did not prepare pitches according to their strengths.

"The pitch in Mackay was no surprise. After the Aussies were humiliated by the Bangladeshis in the first Test, they were going to prepare a pitch that would be fast and bouncy. And, of course, claim that the groundsman had done it on his own and there were zero instructions from the team management. We all know what really happens. It’s just that the Indian management is open about wanting pitches to suit its bowling strength, while those from the old powers will do the little whispering and nudging and get a surface that they need," said Gavaskar.

The former opener also took aim at the different standards applied to pace and spin. He argued that batting against quality spin is an equally demanding examination, requiring precise footwork, balance and soft hands.