Twitter slams ECB as England Women and India Women are forced to play on used men’s T20 cricket pitch

India Women will face off against England Women in the one-off Test starting on June 16 in Bristol. While the move of women playing a Test match was lauded by one and all, now the decision of the Test being played on a used pitch at the County Ground, Bristol has not gone well with many experts and critics.

An interesting thing to note is that the Bristol pitch was used for one of the T20 Blast matches. Considering the fact that it may have become slow and dry, this move by the England Cricket Board (ECB) has met with a lot of backlash. While the pitch becoming slow might favor the Indian team, as they generally rely on the slow bowlers to come good. But the same cannot be said of the England side who, just have two specialist spinners in the form of Sophie Ecclestone and Mady Villiers.

England skipper Heather Knight spoke to the media during the pre-match press conference and termed this piece of information as “not ideal”, whilst mildly requesting the authorities for a fresh pitch, which was denied. Naturally, the decision didn’t go well with many former cricketers, experts, and journalists who felt there is no fairground.

England Cricket Board spokesperson disappointed for not providing fresh wicket

After the barrage of criticism which came thick and fast, the ECB spokesperson has answered by saying that they were ready to provide it, but due to some issues they could not provide on this instance.

“We are all disappointed that the wicket for the Test match against India will have had 37 overs played on it. We know that England Women deserve a fresh wicket and we are sorry that we were unable to provide that in this instance.

“With the Test only being added to the calendar in mid-April, coupled with the lack of available first-class grounds, we knew a fresh TV pitch was going to be a challenge. We accept that this issue shouldn’t have arisen and we will make sure it doesn’t happen in the future.” The spokesperson said.

On another note, India is yet to lose a Test match versus their opponent in England.

Here’s how Twitter reacted

Well the women are playing their 1st home Test in 2 yrs on a used wicket, 'cos there was a men's T20 Blast match on it last wk.

"Obviously not ideal," says Heather Knight, ever the diplomat. Tried to change it. Request denied.

I'm not a diplomat: bloody shambles, imo. #ENGvIND

— Isabelle Westbury (@izzywestbury) June 15, 2021

Everyone who decided a used pitch would go unnoticed for a Women’s Test Match… pic.twitter.com/BiC39y6VKY

— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) June 15, 2021

Seriously. All of us who have covered women’s cricket, especially Tests, in recent years plead and bang on ad nauseam for the best possible pitches cos it makes a huge difference, more than in men’s Tests. Maybe it’ll be fine, maybe it’ll play well, but every time women play…

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) June 15, 2021

This is so poor. A Test match on a used pitch? Simply wouldn't happen in the men's game. Shambles is one word for it. https://t.co/aLo3k5LtJZ

— Rob Johnston (@RobJ_Cricket) June 15, 2021

This is a disgrace. Our local club groundsman manages to prepare 2 strips every weekend for Saturday and Sunday teams. One is repaired for senior training, the other if needed for a U15 match. So our women’s team is valued on a par with practise and junior local club needs…

— Sarah Tomsett (@TomsettSarah) June 15, 2021

So much for learning from history. Okay, 40 overs a week ago is not that used, but it’s a Test match! Use a fresh pitch! https://t.co/ZY69JrUvTJ

— Nakul Pande (@NakulMPande) June 15, 2021

AN OVERSIGHT THAT WASN'T RECITIFIED IN TIME!

Words (and this is not a frequent occurrence…) fail me! 😡😡😡 https://t.co/3oAs12dB2I

— Women's County Cricket Day (@WomensCricDay) June 15, 2021

Hahahahaha of course England’s first home test match for 2 years is on a USED WICKET!!!

Massive moment in the game playing India in a test match… I know, yes, perfect let’s stick them on a used one.

You have to laugh or you will cry.

WHAT. A. SHAMBLES.

🤞🏽🤞🏽 it plays well.

— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) June 15, 2021

Apparently the women's Test will be played on a used pitch, and that's absolutely unacceptable.

Unless there's a real solid reason behind it.

Begs the question though, would the men's team be okay to play on a 'used pitch'?#INDWvENGW

— Prasen Moudgal (@Prasen_m4299) June 15, 2021

England will be playing on a used pitch for their Test tomorrow. Which Heather Knight says is “not ideal. We would have liked a fresh one”.

— Elizabeth Ammon (@legsidelizzy) June 15, 2021