Afghanistan Cricket Team Head Coach, Jonathan Trott inspects the pitch prior to a T20 World Cup Match | Source: X.com
Jonathan Trott, the head coach of Afghanistan, was not satisfied with the pitch prepared for their debut semi-final in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The match, held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, was played at a new wicket. Afghanistan, hence opted to bat first, but the surface ended up providing huge help to South Africa‘s fast bowlers.
Afghanistan was bowled out for 56, and South Africa chased the target with ease, moving on to their first men’s T20 World Cup final.
Although Afghanistan had played here before on a slow, low pitch that supported spin, this time the pitch conditions were unexpected and challenging.
Trott was unhappy with the pitch and claimed such a surface was unfit for a World Cup semi-final. Here’s what Jonathan Trott said in the press conference:
“I don’t want to come across as bitter or [it being a case of] sour grapes. But that’s not a pitch you want to have a semi-final of a World Cup on, plain and simple.”
“It should be a fair contest. I am not saying it should be flat completely with no spin and no seam movement but I am saying that you shouldn’t have batters worrying about going forward and the ball flying over the head. You should be confident in the foot movement and being able to hit through the line or use their skills.”
Jonathan Trott further added that it would have been fair to the opposition bowlers if their batters had been out due to good bowling skills, but he pointed out that the pitch conditions made it more than just about skill. He praised the South African bowlers for their effort.
Notably, this is the first time South Africa has reached the T20 World Cup final, and they will be eager to end their trophy drought and finally secure an ICC trophy. The final will be played at Barbados, and the wicket at this venue is known for its even nature.
