Indians never complain about green surfaces: Sunil Gavaskar

There was constant chatter around the surfaces and pitches during England’s tour of India earlier this year. Re-opening those discussions, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has slammed England for complaining about playing on turning tracks but preparing green tops when the Indian team has visited them.

“Indian cricketers never complain about playing on the greener surfaces; either they are playing in England or Australia. But, on the contrary, the English team will always moan if given spin-friendly pitches in India,” Sunil Gavaskar said on the ‘Extra Innings’ show at Sony.

Gavaskar highlighted how each one of the tracks in the three fixtures of the ongoing series have had grass on them. “In Nottingham, it was a green top; it was the same story at Lord’s. At Headingley, too, we can see a tinge of grass. Did you heard any Indian cricketers complaining about it?”

“This Indian cricket team doesn’t fear playing on any surface. This is a big statement from this Indian cricket team. And for England, if you want to win a series in India, start producing quality spinners.”

“It is not that they have never won in India, but during those series, they have some world-class spinners. A good batsman or bowler must perform at any surface,” says Gavaskar.

India lead the series 1-0

Going into the third Test at Headingley, India leads the series 1-0 courtesy of their historic win at Lord’s by 151 runs after the first Test at Trent Bridge ended in a draw due to persistent rain on the decisive fifth day, with India needing 157 runs with nine wickets in hands.

In a fierce contest that followed at Lord’s, India ensured to put up their A-game to take a crucial lead, wrapping up England for just 120 runs in the second innings after having set them a stiff 272-run target in the final two sessions of the Test.

Terming the win a special one, Ravi Shastri took to Twitter to admit that it was a special win. “To win at @HomeOfCricket as a player and coach is something very special. Thanks a ton guys for making it happen. Enjoy the moment #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 #ENGvIND,” his tweet from August 17 read.