Rank turners are not something that I would personally subscribe to: Aakash Chopra

While former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has asked for 'Rank Turners' for the Border Gavaskar Trophy in a fiery statement, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra does not share the same feelings. Chopra has called for an ideal surface that is great for batting initially and accommodates spinners as the match progresses.

The cricketer-turned-commentator and expert feels that if India produces rank-turners in the upcoming series, luck will play a big factor in the outcome of the games. He advised that pitches which are good for batting on the first three days and deteriorate on the fourth and fifth days are ideal for Test cricket in the subcontinent. 

"Ravi Shastri has said that the ball should turn from the first ball itself. Rank turners are not something that I would personally subscribe to because the contest becomes even if the pitch turns more. Luck plays a bigger role there.

"If the pitch goes the normal way, where it is good for batting on the first day and slowly starts turning, eventually it becomes a very good turner on Day 4 and Day 5 and spinners rule the roost, your batting against spin is tested and there is help for reverse swing. That is an ideal surface," Chopra reasoned on his YouTube channel.

What are fair and unfair pitches?: Aakash Chopra

The former Indian opener also addressed the remarks made by former Australian cricketers, who questioned the integrity of the pitches for the upcoming series. He addressed those queries and asked what is the definition of a fair and unfair pitch since the Australians deem turning tracks as 'unfair'. He also reminded the visitors that their last Test win in India came on a rank-turner in Pune in 2017. 

"The Australian guys are asking for the matches to be played on fair pitches, that if the matches are played on fair pitches, they will compete. By the way, what are fair and unfair pitches? Is it wrong if the ball turns? Is it right if the ball swings or seams? How much swing or spin is right? What exactly is a fair pitch? The pitches you are calling unfair surfaces, the only Test match Australia have won in the last two or three tours was on such a surface," he added.

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