Mumbai: Cricket found a new hero in the ongoing series between India and South Africa. It is smooth, with a little bit of grass, it cracks at times and then the ball does the talking. Pitch – the current hero of Indian cricket – has fooled many world class batsmen in the past.
Here’s a look at few of them who struggled in Indian conditions.
Graham Gooch (England): Despite a handsome career, Gooch was in tatters during the tour of India in 1993. India sealed the series with Gooch scoring 17, 18, 4 and 8 in two Test matches at an average of 11.75.
(Photo: AP)
Brian Lara (West Indies): The prince played three Tests in India and scored 198 runs at an average of 33. His innings of 91 off 104 balls helped his average, otherwise he struggled in the series. Lara’s overall average is 52.89 but against India – it is 34.55.
(Photo: AFP)
Ricky Ponting (Australia): The former Australia captain had a difficult time handling the spinners in India during his playing days. The tour of India in 2001 could easily be called the worst in his career. He scored 17 runs in three Tests at an average of 3.4. Harbhajan Singh got him out in all five innings.
(Photo: AFP)
Graeme Smith (South Africa): The southpaw became former India speedster Zaheer Khan’s victim more than often during the tours. Smith had no clue about Zaheer’s reverse swing. The last time the Proteas visited India, Smith scored 6,4 and 20 in three innings, averaging 10 in two matches. His overall batting average is 47.76 but in India, it is 33.
(Photo: AP)
Hashim Amla (South Africa): During the last series between the two nations, Amla refused to get out, but in the current series – the Test skipper’s average is 18. The pitch has been a tough nut to crack. Even in the one-dayers, Amla’s average read 17.8.
(Photo: AP)
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