‘Even scorecards in T20 matches read better’ – Inzamam-ul-Haq wants the ICC to take action after Ahmedabad pitch controversy

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan cricketer, has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take action after the pitch saga during India’s third Test against England. The pink-ball Day-Night Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad ended within two days and thereafter, the pitch drew a lot of criticism from the cricket fraternity.

The spinners, especially Ravi Ashwin, Axar Patel, and Joe Root were at the forefront as they picked up most of the wickets. Inzamam lashed out, saying that the match in Ahmedabad was far from being Test cricket and the scorecard looked worse than a T20 match. The former Pakistan skipper put forth his opinions on his official YouTube channel.

Even scorecards in T20 matches read better: Inzamam-ul-Haq

“If Joe Root is picking up five wickets in six overs, you can imagine the condition of the wicket. Why should I praise R Ashwin and Axar Patel, when Root is picking up 5/8? Test matches have so many important elements, the venue, the ground, the umpire, referee, so a pitch should also hold some significance. Test match should look like a Test match,” Inzamam was quoted as saying.

Even as he accepted that the pitches should be tailored to take advantage of home conditions, he felt that the one in the Ahmedabad Test shouldn’t exist.

“Even scorecards in T20 matches read better than the one we saw in Ahmedabad. The ICC should take action on this. What sort of wickets are these that a Test match cannot even last two entire days?

“17 wickets falling in less than one day, what are we playing on here? Sure, you take home advantage, spinning tracks should be made, but this sort of pitch I don’t think should exist,” Inzamam added.

After England were bowled out for 112 in their first innings, India could only manage a lead of 33 runs. However, the visitors were shot out for 81 in their second innings, leaving Virat Kohli and Co with a mere target of 49.

The fourth and final Test is scheduled to get underway on Thursday, March 4 at in Ahmedabad itself. If India manage to at least draw the game, they would qualify for the final of the World Test Championship.