'This is a new level': Cricket world erupts over extraordinary photo
The cricket community is gobsmacked after a match in New Zealand was played on an extraordinary green pitch that needs to be seen to be believed.
Canterbury won the toss in the four-day match against the Wellington Firebirds and elected to bowl.
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While most captains would rarely opt to bowl first, this was no ordinary decision.
Images from the Plunket Shield show a bowler’s dream with the pitch hard to distinguish from the green grass of the field.
To justify the call, the Firebirds were rolled for a measly 65 in the first innings.
Looking at the state of the pitch many could be forgiven to suggest 65 is around par.
While others were just flabbergasted at just how much grass was on the New Zealand deck.
Cricket world cracks up over green pitch
Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum even quipped it would be swing or miss on the green deck.
While others suggested the bowlers would be lining up to throw down the Kookaburra.
In New Zealand’s Plunket Shield, Canterbury have just bowled out Wellington for 65. Looking at the pitch, that’s probably about par... pic.twitter.com/5lFvdQTMXp
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) October 19, 2020
No point nudging them round then🏌️💣
— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) October 20, 2020
Pitch? That's a bloody charitable definition!
— Angela Gilham (@AngelaGilham) October 19, 2020
When the wicket is greener that the outfield, you win the toss and ask to bowl in all four innings!
— Braedyn Smith #ValeKanga (@BraedynSmith) October 20, 2020
The MCG needs that pitch
— Anthony Kernich (@AntJKernich) October 20, 2020
I've seen some green tops in my time but this is a new level. Chuck me the ball cappy
— Troy Puckridge (@TPuckridge) October 19, 2020
Looks like the first day of Wimbledon!
— Steve Purt⭕n (@TheDorsetViking) October 19, 2020
Things stared perfectly fine for the Firebirds, at 2-51 after 22 overs.
But a shocking collapse of 8-14 finished the innings.
Just as astonishing was the fact Devon Conway top scored with 31 runs, while there were 13 extras bowled.
However, despite the pitch appearing to be a nightmare for batsman, Canterbury were cruising at 3-109 in their first innings at stumps on the opening day.
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