Thaindian News

Adelaide, Jan 23 (IANS) Australia captain Michael Clarke Monday rubbished allegations by Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir that the hosts doctored cricket pitches to ensure the tourists’ downfall.

“The pitches have been the same in Australia for the last two years. In my opinion, it’s very hard to doctor the wicket when you’re playing against very good opposition. It’s about preparing a pitch and then both teams playing on it. That will be no different when we go to India,” said Clarke on the eve of the fourth and final Test.

Gambhir said Sunday that Australia had prepared green-top pitches tailored to suit their pace bowling strength.

“We’re beginning to realise that when we go overseas, every country prepares wickets according to their own strengths. We have seen in the last three Test matches and even in England that there was a lot of grass and that helped the seamers. So once these people come to India, I think that we should not be hesitant in making turners. That is when we will get to know whether they’re mentally strong,” Gambhir had said.

Rejecting the theory, Clarke said juicier pitches are a trend all over the world.

“They were exactly the same against England - they were pretty similar in South Africa as well,” Clarke said.

“So that is part of being an international sportsman - you travel the world and play in completely different conditions. I have played a number of times in India when the ball has spun so that will be no different next time we go there, I’m sure,” he said.