Sir — This refers to the editorial, “What a pitch” (January 29). Yes, despite the Indian Premier league giving fast and huge money to young players, playing for the country in Test matches remains an ultimate dream for any budding talent. Saying Wanderers pitch as disgrace would be an understatement as both Indian and South African players were at the receiving end of the pitch which had uneven bounce, and the ball was rising like a cobra and hurt many batsmen during the test match.
Now, after losing the Test match, South African opener, Dean Elgar has said that the match should have been called off. Thanks to the Indian players, both batsmen and bowlers, who hung in their and came out triumphant. Our batsmen took the blows on their bodies but still did not complain and preferred to stay at the crease.
Total blame lies with the curator and Cricket South Africa for dishing out such a dangerous pitch. India has always been blamed for doctoring the pitches and providing rank turners but if South Africa in its pursuit of preparing a fast and bouncy pitch by preparing such dangerous wicket, it is not fair and they should rethink on their strategy when other teams travel at their place. Now, it is to be seen how ICC reacts, as in the past, it has termed Test pitches of Nagpur and Delhi as poor.