Last Updated on 7 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
The Guwahati pitch is in the spotlight after a mammoth 811 runs were scored in the second ODI between India and West Indies.
A score of 405/7 was nowhere near enough as India cruised to the target with eight wickets and 39 balls to spare. For the first time in their history, three West Indies players (John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo) struck a century in a single innings, but it was not enough as Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma put India well on course with a 255-run stand in just 26.1 overs.
Rohit was dismissed for a 75-ball 101. Gill continued on his merry way, finishing with 223* off just 133 balls. The captain hammered 26 fours and eight sixes as the West Indies attack simply had no answers.
Reactions: Gambhir, fans criticise Guhawati pitch after 811 runs in the IND-WI ODI
Gill now has 3,712 runs at a superb average of 65.12 in 69 ODIs. However, his achievements have almost taken a backseat amid discussions over the Guwahati surface. The second ODI was home to a number of records, including the second chase of 400+, plus the first time ever that five players hit a century in a single ODI.
Gautam Gambhir has called for more balance between bat and ball. The India coach had sympathy for the bowlers as there was no support for them in very batting-friendly conditions.
“Look, if I have to be absolutely honest, I feel I think there has to be a bit of more contest between bat and ball, because I think you talk about cricket – but this is not cricket, this is only batting,” Gambhir told Star Sports, as quoted by Cricinfo.
“Because imagine a young bowler bowling on this wicket, and the opposition getting 400 and then we go on to chase 400. Obviously, for the records it’s outstanding, for the crowd it’s outstanding, for the broadcaster it’s outstanding.
“But if you ask me as a genuine cricket fan and as a coach, because I have to have sympathy for the bowlers as well.”
Fans on social media were also critical of the surface. “This pitch is for F1 and not cricket,” wrote one fan.
“India should held a bilateral series between India & bowling machine. There is no point on inviting other teams to play cricket on these highways,” wrote another.
