The Ashes: 19 wickets in a day but no outrage? Perth pitch sparks double standards debate

On a dramatic opening day of the Ashes in Optus Stadium at Perth, 19 wickets fell in a single day, sending shockwaves across the cricketing world. Fast bowlers from both Australia and England ran riot on a pitch brimming with pace and bounce yet, unlike the uproar over spin-friendly surfaces in India, there was no outrage, no criticism, and no debate. The silence has become the loudest talking point.

Fast Bowlers Dominate as Batters Collapse

The Perth pitch lived up to its reputation. Mitchell Starc unleashed a fiery spell to claim seven wickets, while England’s pace trio Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Brydon Carse proved nearly unplayable. Even Ben Stokes produced a five-wicket haul.

England crashed to 39 for 3, and Australia slumped to 31 for 4, with both sides unable to even play out 40 overs. For spectators, it was an adrenaline-filled spectacle, but for analysts, it sparked pointed comparisons.

Double Standards in Pitch Criticism?

Former cricketers from England and Australia had loudly criticised the Kolkata pitch last week after India lost in under three days. Yet, today’s pacy Perth surface, equally unkind to batters, escaped scrutiny.

Voices like R. Ashwin and Dinesh Karthik took to social media to question the inconsistency. Fans joined in, pointing out that when pacers dominate, the chatter is admiration; when spinners do the same, it’s labelled a 'bad pitch.'

Also Read: Former great slams Gautam Gambhir, labels Kolkata Pitch 'horrible' after India’s shock defeat

Eyes on Guwahati

As India prepare for the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, focus shifts to how that pitch will be judged. After the Kolkata backlash, anticipation is high.

Perth delivered thrilling cricket, but also exposed glaring double standards in pitch narratives. Whether in Australia or India, a tough batting day should be seen through the same lens and cricket, perhaps, deserves a more balanced conversation.