The pitches used for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy have come in for much criticism, with no team managing to get past the 200-run mark in the last three matches played so far.
The pitch at the Brabourne stadium in Mumbai has seen bowlers dominate completely. In the first match played on Saturday, Sri Lanka shot out the West Indies for a paltry 80 and then, on Monday, New Zealand bowled out South Africa for 108 after posting a mere 195 all out.
Captain Graeme Smith was quick to slam the pitch and said: 'The wicket just deteriorated and batting second was difficult. The wicket was not of good standard, certainly not good for international cricket."
In sharp contrast, his opposite number, Stephen Fleming, seemed quite content with the pitch.
"I don't mind playing on these kinds of wickets. I understand Graeme's comments knowing where he comes from, but I think the wicket was different," Fleming said, referring to the hard, bouncy pitches of South Africa.
"We will take what we get. I don't mind these type of pitches, where there is something for the bowlers," Fleming said.
"But I think if the whole tournament is played on pitches like this, it will be difficult for the viewers," he added.
The International Cricket Council has in the past criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India whenever they have dished out such slow, turning pitches.
But this time, even they don't seem to mind, as they have also had a say in the preparation of the pitches. The ICC's official pitch consultant for the tournament, Andy Atkinson, had overseen the preparation at all four venues.
Smith, however, believes that the pitches won't provide 100 overs of good cricket in the matches ahead.
Do you agree with Smith's criticism about the wickets not being of international standard?
Do you mind cricket being played on such surfaces that have something for bowlers and that force batsmen to dig deep to survive? Or would have rather have belters, where even a score in excess of 300 is easily achievable?
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