Vaughan and Johnson defend “under-fire” Perth surface
The Perth pitch had been rated "average" by the ICC. (Image: Cricket Australia)

Former cricketers Michael Vaughan and Mitchell Johnson have not taken ICC’s decision to rate the Perth pitch “average” lightly, with the former England captain saying, “and they wonder why Test Match cricket is struggling”. The pitch of the Optus Stadium in Perth, on which India faced Australia in the second Test, was given the rating by ICC match referee Ranjan Madugalle.

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Vaughan and Johnson expressed their opinions of Twitter with the former Australia quick even involving himself in a conversation with former India opener Aakash Chopra, whose thoughts were quite contrasting.

“And they wonder why Test Match cricket is struggling .. Was a tremendously exciting pitch which had a bit for everyone .. Should be more like this IMO ..,” Vaughan tweeted.

“Nothing wrong with it. It was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball for a change and not these dull flat tracks being served up constantly. I’d actually be interested in knowing what a good pitch is? Hope for another exciting test at the MCG,” read Johnson’s tweet.

The Perth surface, despite offering a few snorters to the batsmen, went into the fifth day where Australia completed a 146-run win the draw level. India captain Virat Kohli scored a century during India’s first innings, Mohammed Shami took 6 for 56 in the third innings and Nathan Lyon was adjudged Player of the Match for his match-haul of eight wickets, which clearly indicate that there weren’t demons in the pitch for either batsmen or bowlers.

Australia opener Aaron Finch had to retire hurt after copping a blow to his finger. His opening partner Marcus Harris was hit on the helmet by a lifter from Mohammed Shami resulting in him falling flat on the ground. Then there were few that didn’t rose as expected as Pat Cummins witnessed after being bowled by Jasprit Bumrah during the second innings.

The third Test will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which was rated poor, also by Madugalle, after producing a drab draw last year.