Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag reacted strongly after the first Test between Australia and South Africa at the Gabba in Brisbane concluded within two days. Notably, as many as 34 wickets fell in 142 overs, following which the Aussies won the match by six wickets after chasing down 34 in 7.5 overs.
Proteas pacer Kagiso Rabada ripped apart Australia’s top order, finishing with figures of 4-1-13-4 in the second innings. Sehwag, in the meantime, slammed the Gabba pitch and called out the experts who were critical of India when the Ahmedabad Test against England was finished in a spare of two days.
“142 overs and not even lasting 2 days and they have the audacity to lecture on what kind of pitches are needed. Had it happened in India, it would have been labelled end of test cricket, ruining test cricket and what not. The Hypocrisy is mind-boggling,” Sehwag wrote on Twitter.
142 overs and not even lasting 2 days and they have the audacity to lecture on what kind of pitches are needed. Had it happened in India, it would have been labelled end of test cricket, ruining test cricket and what not. The Hypocrisy is mind-boggling . #AUSvSA
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 18, 2022
After being put in to bat first, the tourists were bundled out for 152, with wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne scoring the maximum 64. For the hosts, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon picked up three wickets apiece.
After that, Travis Head‘s brilliant 92 helped Australia take a lead of 66 runs in the first innings before Pat Cummins picked up a five-wicket haul to ensure South Africa managed only 99 in their second innings.
The second Test, in the meantime, is scheduled to get underway on Monday, December 26, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“I’m a bowler, so you’re asking the wrong person. But it was a difficult wicket, credit to Head for the way he batted – almost scored a hundred. Looking forward to a few days off, spending Christmas and then ready for the Boxing Day Test, that is always a big occasion,” said Australian captain Pat Cummins after the match.