India suffered a heavy defeat in the second Test at Perth and the pitch at the new Optus stadium did receive a lot of attention for its spice and variable bounce. Both sets of seamers and Nathan Lyon ruled the show and batting was a difficult job on the strip. However, both captains did not raise any such concerns after the match.
The ICC in its assessment of the pitch has labelled it 'poor' based on the report filed by match referee Ranjan Madugalle. This sparked off a Twitter war between former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra and former Australian quick Mitchell Johnson.
Unimpressed with the rating, Johnson tweeted, "Nothing wrong with it. It was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball for a change and not these dull flat tracks being served up constantly. I'd actually be interested in knowing what a good pitch is? Hope for another exciting test at the MCG."
Nothing wrong with it. It was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball for a change and not these dull flat tracks being served up constantly. I’d actually be interested in knowing what a good pitch is? Hope for another exciting test at the MCG ? https://t.co/Q1vOYm6AaB
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
However, Aakash Chopra took a different stand and said that the pitch had very inconsistent bounce and cited the example of a delivery from Hanuma Vihari in the first innings to Marcus Harris which jumped up from a length and took the glove of the batsman.
Vihari bowled a bouncer on the ‘first day’ to dismiss a well set Harris. I rest my case ?? https://t.co/gELNtmLUuI
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
Johnson was not done yet, he hit back saying that it was a very enjoyable pitch for the fast bowlers and as a fan, he thoroughly enjoyed the contest when the fast bowlers tested the batsmen out with short-pitched stuff.
Pretty shitty case if that what your coming with Aakash. You’re saying it was a dangerous delivery from a spinner? Did you pipe up when the Indian 4 man attack bowled plenty of short balls, which I enjoyed as a fan & was awesome to watch? What is a good wicket is to you?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
This sparked off a war of words between the duo who tried to nail home their points.
You spoke of natural deterioration that leads to variable bounce. That ball was a reflection of variable bounce on the first day. Not dangerous then. But yes...that Shami spell on day four was close to dangerous....felt that player safety was in question. Therefore the rating. https://t.co/AlE4Me9Iko
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
I disagree, I’ve seen far worse & played on pitches similar to it. Do you want to see boring flat belters? I don’t. I want to see pitches that produce an exciting contest between bat and ball. Anything else you want to get off your chest?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
I never said that I want to see cricket on feather beds..ICC rated the pitch ‘Average’-I agree with their neutral observation based on the feedback of match officials. You don’t. We r entitled to have our own opinions. FOE. Too bad if the pitches you played on got a ‘good’ rating
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
Plenty of pitches much worse that never had this rating. I know what you saying & no issues with you disagreeing & having your opinion, that’s all good. But I still disagree & have no idea why you would comment directly to me?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
Too late in Melbourne..just landed...body clock still set on Perth timings. Chanced upon your observation somehow...enough reasons for commenting to you directly? ☺️?✌️Merry Christmas in advance...see you on the Boxing Day. Hopefully MCG wont be a road like last year... ?
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
