This isn't me blaming the pitch for our pathetic batters but found some interesting quotes.
Oval pitch 'overcooked' to order - The Ashes 2009 - Fox Sports
How the mighty have fallen - The Ashes 2009 - Fox Sports
Which brings us back to a similar thread started in the Cricket chat forum. The ICC need to set some sort of standard for the pitch being produced. First we have pitches being prepared for draws in the Caribbean and now we have 3rd day dust bowls being produced for day 1. Just too far in the extremes for my liking, something in between would be much better for the fans.
Former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding was scathing in his assessment of the playing surface.
"I am very disappointed in this pitch," Holding fumed.
"I have never been to The Oval and seen the ball going through the top (of the pitch) like this. Even on day one we have seen this.
Oval pitch 'overcooked' to order - The Ashes 2009 - Fox Sports
A county umpire told London's Mail On Sunday that if it were a county pitch it would have been marked poor, excessively dry and with excessive turn. The newspaper reported that such a pitch at county level would see the home team docked 15 points. Teams can earn a maximum of 24 points, 14 for a win and up to five batting and bowling bonus points.
How the mighty have fallen - The Ashes 2009 - Fox Sports
Which brings us back to a similar thread started in the Cricket chat forum. The ICC need to set some sort of standard for the pitch being produced. First we have pitches being prepared for draws in the Caribbean and now we have 3rd day dust bowls being produced for day 1. Just too far in the extremes for my liking, something in between would be much better for the fans.