Indian legend calls pitch critics ‘morons’ as Australia caught up in World Cup controversy

An Indian cricket legend has lashed out at “morons” over controversy surrounding pitches with Australia caught up in the drama.

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has slammed “morons” for criticising the pitch change for the World Cup semi-final, saying it shouldn’t discredit India’s win at all.

The host nation defeated New Zealand by 70 runs to book their place in the final and move one step closer to claiming their third ODI World Cup title.

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Virat Kohli scored his 50th ODI century to overtake Sachin Tendulkar as the player with the most hundreds ever in the format.

There was controversy pre-game when it emerged the semi-final would be played on a used pitch at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium that had already staged two games earlier in the tournament in a late change.

The change didn’t go down well with the ICC pitch consultant. There were also reports Indian officials asked BCCI curators to shave off most of the grass on the playing surface.

Australian sports broadcaster Gerard Whateley described the request for a pitch change as “outrageous”.

Ironically, paceman Mohammed Shami did most of the damage for India in the semi-final, finishing with figures of 7/57 — becoming the first man to take three five-wicket hauls at the same World Cup.

Sunil Gavaskar wasn't happy with World Cup pitch critics. Photo: Twitter/Star Sports.

The seven-wicket haul takes Shami to the top of the wicket leaderboard with 23, one ahead of Adam Zampa on 22.

After all the talk of a slow pitch, it was a batting friendly surface as India piled on 397 runs and New Zealand still managed 327 in reply.

Speaking on Star Sports afterwards, Gavaskar “This has been such a good pitch to bat on. We’ve had nearly 730 runs scored here.

“All those morons who were talking about the pitch being changed and that it would do the Indian bowlers a favour, I hope they will just shut up.

“Stop taking potshots at India just because it helps you get eyeballs. Nonsense.

“Even if the pitch was changed, it was there before the toss for both the teams. It wasn’t changed in the mid-innings. It wasn’t changed after the toss was done.

“The pitch was the same for both teams. You are a good enough team, you play on that pitch and you win. And India has done that. So stop talking about pitches.

“Already they’re talking about the pitch in Ahmedabad (the venue for the final). The second semi-final hasn’t even taken place, you’re talking about the pitch being changed in Ahmedabad. Nonsense.”

Australia are preparing for a slow pitch in their semifinal. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Gavaskar’s scathing remarks come as Australia also prepares to play the semi-final against South Africa on the same pitch in Kolkata that was used for England’s game against Pakistan five days ago.

Former Australian player and coach Darren Lehmann wrote on social media: “Fresh pitch for ICC events a must. Not even a question, just should happen.” ‍️

Australian captain Pat Cummins is expecting the pitch to play slowly and take plenty of spin.

“It does look like it’s probably going to spin a bit more than some of the other wickets – which is the same for both teams,” Cummins said.

“It might just be a slightly different paced game, but I think it’s still pretty evenly matched.”

Cricket.com.au reports both Australia and South African players looked surprised when they inspected the pitch on Tuesday.

Mitchell Starc is expected to come in for Sean Abbott after being rested against Banglandesh, while Australia will need to decide if Marnus Labuschagne or Marcus Stoinis will make way for the returning Glenn Maxwell.

Watch the World Cup semi-final between Australia and South Africa on Kayo Sports on Thursday from 7.30pm AEDT.

A Hindi commentary feed for the three remaining World Cup finals will be available on Fox Cricket Plus.