Australia won the second Test by 146 runs to draw the series level at 1-1, and despite both spin and pace coming to the fore at different times, the match referee reportedly rated the pitch as 'average'...
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has defended the pitch used in the second Test against India at Perth, after it was reported to have been given the lowest rating possible by match referee Ranjan Madugalle.
The hosts won the Test by 146 runs to draw the series level at 1-1, with Hazlewood recording match figures of 4-90.
"I know a couple of people got hit in the head and shoulders, but it's Test cricket," Hazlewood told cricket.com.au. "You're bowling 140kph, guys are going to get hit on any wicket.
"I thought it was a great wicket. Guys got hundreds, guys got seventies, spin got wickets, quicks got wickets. What else do you really want from it? It was competitive cricket and it went to day five.
"As far as I'm concerned, it ticked every box."
Josh Hazlewood recorded match figures of 4-90 as Australia won by 146 runs
The referee's rating is yet to be confirmed, but the fast bowler suggested a new way of providing the rating for the pitch after the match.
"I think rather than one person giving the rating, maybe votes go around to the players or staff or anyone involved," he explained.
"You'd get a broader collective feedback from players.
"Even a public poll could get some good feedback or some bad feedback. I'm sure the first two (Test) wickets have been well received by the public as well as the players involved."