‘Is the pitch bad? 23 wickets fell in a day…..’ – Aakash Chopra passes big remarks on Cape Town pitch

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra questioned the pitch at Cape Town as consecutive wickets were falling on Day 1 of the first innings of the second Test match on January 3. Notably, Team India bundled out South Africa for just 55 runs. However, the visiting sides also were bowled out for 153 and failed to get the majority lead on the tough cricket pitch. However, South Africa currently stands at 63/3 at the end of Day 1.

However, the iconic cricket commentator made a big remark on the Cape Town pitch as 23 wickets fell on Day 1, featuring 13 wickets for the home side, and Team India also lost 10 wickets on the opening day of the second Test game. In addition to that, the former India opener feels that no one else is speaking about the Cape Town pitch despite both sides losing their wickets.

“23 wickets fell in a day. South Africa won the toss and decided to bat first, but what sort of decision? India too wanted to bat first but they (South Africa) couldn’t score even 60 runs in the first innings and they are still behind. South Africa have lost 13 wickets and we also lost 10. Is the pitch bad? Should we talk about the pitch because no one does that? There is an outcry if the ball turns in India and 20 wickets fall in a day,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

If the ball is turning as much as you are trying to get it to turn, it’s alright: Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-analyst compared the Cape Town pitch to the Ahmedabad pitch when the Pink Ball Test was held between England and India back in 2021.

“The pitch has a lot of help. If the ball is turning as much as you are trying to get it to turn, it’s alright. However, if you are bowling straight balls and they pitch and turn, and some go straight, as it happened in the pink-ball Test in Ahmedabad, suddenly batting becomes very difficult,” he added further.