When does a cricket pitch become dangerous?
The Wanderers pitch, Johannesburg, where the third and final South Africa vs India Test is going on, is under fire for its quality. It has been described "dangerous", and "challenging" as teams struggled to bat with batsmen being struck on fingers and body. Umpires too were seen discussing the course of action. In this context, let's see what comprises a 'dangerous pitch.'
How are pitches rated poor?
A poor pitch doesn't allow an even contest between the bat and ball- not giving the bowlers from either teams sufficient opportunity to take wickets , or by favouring the bowlers too much. Among many criteria, a pitch may be rated poor, when it offers excessive seam movement at any stage, or displays excessive unevenness in bounce.
"Unfit" rating for a pitch
While a limited seam movement is acceptable early in match, unevenness for seam bowlers as the match progresses to the extent of being "excessive", would be indicative of a dangerous pitch. Umpires shall decide if the pitch is dangerous and shall stop the play. They shall then consult the captains upon whose agreement the match shall resume. Else, the match could be abandoned.
This is what they said about the Johannesburg pitch
"If anyone ever calls this Indian batting line-up flat track bullies again they need to be reminded of the skill and bravery they have shown in this innings."- Nasser Hussain. "It's a minefield... If Pune and Nagpur were doctored, this one is too" - Aakash Chopra. "Happy sitting in my room than playing on that pile of crap facing those bowlers." - Dean Jones
Michael Holding rates Wanderers wicket 2 out of 100
"Two out of 100 [is my rating for the pitch]. It's a s**t pitch. You can interpret that. They should have called it off when Vijay got hit. This is not a cricket pitch, this is dangerous. Call it off, forget it." - Michael Holding.
