Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin shares his verdict on the Nagpur pitch ahead of the first Test in the Border Gavaskar Trophy

The Border Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is underway in Nagpur. There has been a lot of talk ahead of the first test especially regarding the pitch. A lot of speculation over the Nagpur pitch has been doing the rounds and things are expected to unfold favouring the hosts. However, former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin feels that there’s nothing unnatural about the pitches as they are meant to spin on subcontinent wickets.

The Australian media have been very critical regarding the Nagpur wicket ahead of Day 1. There were even serious claims of doctoring the pitch.

Spin will be a huge challenge for Australia and how they play quality spin attack of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel will determine the outcome of the series largely. Similarly the visitors also have someone in Nathan Lyon who can change the course of the game in their favour.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Azharuddin was asked about the hype around the pitch. He said, “Not unfair. When you play in India, you expect the wickets to turn. We are playing the home advantage, so I don’t think there’s any reason why anybody should have a problem with that.”

Azhurruddin feels that the visiting team needs to be at the best of their game against the Indian spinners. However he also feels that the Australians have spinners in their ranks to trouble the hosts aswell. “You will have to battle it out. It is going to be a challenge for both of the teams. India has a bunch of great spinners but if you look at the Australian side, they also have spinners who can exploit the conditions really well,” he added.

India started the game with three spinners whereas Australia handed the debut to talented spinner Todd Murphy to partner Nathan Lyon. The hosts also handed debuts to Suryakumar Yadav whereas KS Bharat also got his first cap in Rishabh Pant’s absence as the designated wicketkeeper.

While spin and other factors are making the headlines, some eyes are on Virat Kohli aswell. The Indian batter always seems to step up on big occasions and given his current white ball form, fans and experts are expecting a big series from the former India captain. Azharuddin feels that Virat Kohli will get his mojo back in Test cricket soon but he is happy to see him performing and being amongst runs in recent times.

“I’m happy he’s doing well. The whole country is happy to see him do well. Hopefully, he will have a good series and score loads of runs in the four Tests. Kohli staying in the wicket will be very, very important,” Azharuddin shared.

India will take on Australia in a four match Test series as they fight for the prestigious Border Gavaskar Trophy whereas the hosts are trying to get into the finals of the World Test Championships aswell.