Too much bounce, too much grass, too much movement.
Too much whingeing.
There is no doubt the WACA would have wanted at least two more sessions of play from the third Test between Australia and India. So, too, the local fans.
But, unlike some critics, mostly from the east, don't blame our favourite piece of turf. Point the finger at the players because Perth's premier pitch can make a strong claim to providing some of the most exciting cricket on the planet.
Sure some batsmen are made to look like schoolboy pretenders on the Waroona clay that sits in the middle of the WACA Ground.
Yet for every Virender Sehwag, there is a David Warner. If the wicket is a problem why can one player construct a 180-run innings and share in a 214-run opening stand?
It is worth noting that four of the seven fastest Test centuries have been recorded at the WACA Ground. It is also the home of the highest score ever compiled in five-day cricket in this land - Matthew Hayden's 380.
And not so long ago South Africa countered those much-vaunted pitch demons to make 4-414 in the then second-highest Test run chase.
But then Mitchell Johnson and Glenn McGrath have also left Perth with eight wickets in a Test innings at the WA arena. India was dismissed for 161 and 171 in the recently-completed third Test.
So there is something for everyone at the WACA Ground.
And that is why Perth is lucky to have one of the best international cricket venues in the world.
FOLLOW ROSS LEWIS ON TWITTER - @R_Lewis_thewest - or on his Sports Blog.
15 Comments
A recent BBC report indicated that the people of India are becoming disillusioned with cricket, and turning, in droves, to another round ball game ... called football.
ReplyIndeed, did you notice, Ross, in the lead-up to the Perth Test, the Indian cricketers were kicking a soccer ball around the WACA. But then, the Indians are smart ... they know a great game when they see it!
ReplyIndia just batted like millionnaires. The pitch might be part of the reason the test finished inside of 2 and a half days, but the Indian batting was the main reason.
ReplyColin, soccer (football) won't take off in India until they field a team capable of playing in a World Cup. In the meantime, the people will feed off TV and watching comps like the EPL, La Liga, etc.
1 ReplyYes Colin, soccer is a game for skinny under nourished poverty stricken peoples of third world countries isnt it ??
ReplyYes indeed, Charles ... do you find fault with that my friend?
ReplyCharles, we should endeavour to make the complete eradication of poverty our GOAL ... and tolerate absolutely no POINTS ... for a near-miss! ... don't ya think?
ReplySeven comments and four by know all Colin. Give us all a break and stay with soccer. Most Australians are not interested in ther so called "world game". Time you went back to good old England.
ReplyTed, I'm a proud Australian. My great uncle Archie lies in a grave in France. He was killed in action, fighting for the Australian Infantry in the Somme in 1918. Archie was just 22 years old. My father was named Archie in his uncle's honour. He lives in WA and will be 93 years old in a few weeks. I've just donated my 91st "pint" of blood for Australia. That's because I love Australia, and my Aussie brethren. All the best to you, Ted, mate.
ReplyHey, Ted, the following aphorism has given me great comfort for well over half a century: "Knowing that you know little is knowing a great deal indeed". And another thing, Ted ... you really shouldn't encourage me, ya know ...
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