Mitchell Johnson and Aakash Chopra argue: Former Australian fast bowler and Indian opener were involved in a Twitter argument.
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Former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson and India opening batsman Aakash Chopra were seen at odds with each other over the Perth wicket on social media platform Twitter.
Apparently, the pitch on which the Perth Test was played has received the lowest possible pass marks from ICC. In which was a lively pitch, it saw a riveting contest between the bat and ball for five days.
Having said that, it also witnessed a few deliveries gaining extra bounce and a few keeping low. There was also a session of play when the ball seemed to have done that extra bit for the fast bowlers.
It all started when the ICC’s report was made public.
The pitch used for the Perth Stadium’s inaugural Test match has received the lowest possible pass mark from the ICC. https://t.co/9cb8BZ26BR pic.twitter.com/OtcED7k51q
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 21, 2018
Johnson was quick to disagree with the report, saying that it was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball. Expressing his frustration, Johnson also asked the criteria for a good pitch.
Nothing wrong with it. It was exciting to watch a contest between bat and ball for a change and not these dull flat tracks being served up constantly. I’d actually be interested in knowing what a good pitch is? Hope for another exciting test at the MCG 🏏 https://t.co/Q1vOYm6AaB
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
I wouldn’t give it a low mark but we saw inconsistent bounce from the first session which isn’t ideal, it’s ok to see later on IMO. Sideways movement and pace has been good to see. Add true bounce and we’ll see optimum contests. Good signs for Perth.
— jump time (@time_taken_up) December 21, 2018
Inconsistent bounce use to happen a lot, the pitch is supposed to deteriorate. Is it any different to a pitch that spins a metre or more & stays low?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
The conversation regarding inconsistent bounce seemed to have aroused Chopra’s interest in the conversation who pointed out Hanuma Vihari dismissing Marcus Harris with a near-unplayable delivery that received sharp bounce from the wicket.
Vihari bowled a bouncer on the ‘first day’ to dismiss a well set Harris. I rest my case 🙌🙏 https://t.co/gELNtmLUuI
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
Chopra’s tweet saw immediate response from Johnson which was followed by a elongated banter between the two.
Pretty shitty case if that what your coming with Aakash. You’re saying it was a dangerous delivery from a spinner? Did you pipe up when the Indian 4 man attack bowled plenty of short balls, which I enjoyed as a fan & was awesome to watch? What is a good wicket is to you?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
You spoke of natural deterioration that leads to variable bounce. That ball was a reflection of variable bounce on the first day. Not dangerous then. But yes…that Shami spell on day four was close to dangerous….felt that player safety was in question. Therefore the rating. https://t.co/AlE4Me9Iko
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
I disagree, I’ve seen far worse & played on pitches similar to it. Do you want to see boring flat belters? I don’t. I want to see pitches that produce an exciting contest between bat and ball. Anything else you want to get off your chest?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
I never said that I want to see cricket on feather beds..ICC rated the pitch ‘Average’-I agree with their neutral observation based on the feedback of match officials. You don’t. We r entitled to have our own opinions. FOE. Too bad if the pitches you played on got a ‘good’ rating
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
Plenty of pitches much worse that never had this rating. I know what you saying & no issues with you disagreeing & having your opinion, that’s all good. But I still disagree & have no idea why you would comment directly to me?
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 21, 2018
Too late in Melbourne..just landed…body clock still set on Perth timings. Chanced upon your observation somehow…enough reasons for commenting to you directly? ☺️😉✌️Merry Christmas in advance…see you on the Boxing Day. Hopefully MCG wont be a road like last year… 🤞
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
Read some of the latest Twitter reactions on the same below:
No. I’m not telling anyone anything. I’m just in agreement with ICC’s rating of the pitch…which is based on the feedback from the match officials. And none of them were Indians or Australians. Thank You ☺️ https://t.co/boY1yPPxE9
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 21, 2018
And they wonder why Test Match cricket is struggling .. Was a tremendously exciting pitch which had a bit for everyone .. Should be more like this IMO .. https://t.co/c5jx99oQfO
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 21, 2018
Made for interesting cricket though.
ICC- trying their best to kill Test Cricket.
— AbhijeetNUFC (@abhi_nufc) December 21, 2018
It helped to produce exciting cricket. If the MCG pitch is similar to recent years it will be a batters paradise and will produce a boring Boxing Day text match
— Michael Croy (@croyboy47) December 21, 2018
