What's the fuss about SG balls, asks Azharuddin
What's the story
Former India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin has been left surprised with the wave of Indian players criticizing the SG balls.
India beat West Indies 2-0, recently, in the Test series and four players, including Team India captain Virat Kohli, came forward saying that the usage of SG balls should be stopped.
Notably, India have been using the SG balls since 1990s.
Criticism
Ashwin, Kohli came out in criticizing the SG ball
After the Rajkot Test, Indian spinners R Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav were displeased with the SG ball.
"Pretty disappointed with the current SG ball. It used to be top-notch, the seam used to stand up strong even after 70-80 overs. It's not the same anymore," Ash had said.
Virat Kohli backed Ashwin and said that he prefers the Dukes ball.
Information
Umesh also joined Ashwin and Kohli
Umesh Yadav also slammed the SG ball. The pacer, who picked 10 wickets in the Hyderabad Test, claimed after the ball wears out, it offers no pace or bounce on flat Indian tracks.
Comments
Azhar questions the claims by Indian cricketers
India won both the Tests and the likes of Ashwin, Kuldeep and Umesh picked wickets.
Azhar backed the SG ball and stated since its introduction in 1993, India dominated Test cricket at home.
"Look at the overall country-wise average of bowlers bowling with different balls in different conditions. That will give you the answer. So, what's the fuss about?" Azharuddin questioned.
SG balls
Azhar says players should be happy with SG balls
Kohli, Ashwin and Co. vouched for the Dukes ball, which is used in England.
Azhar feels this is a bizarre claim.
"You've got to use what suits your conditions best. That's also the challenge in Test cricket. I can't go to England and say we'll play with SG," claimed the ex-skipper.
Azhar's points are valid and this debate now could go on for sometime.