Ashes 2025/26: Ravichandran Ashwin criticizes Perth's pitch

Overview

• Ravichandran Ashwin was shocked to see 19 wickets falling on the first day of the Perth Test in the Ashes 2025/26
• The former Indian cricketer posted a GIF on X and hinted at the double standards of analysts for selective criticism
• He wondered if the same would be said about the Indian pitch if it turns out to be similar against South Africa in Guwahati

Ravichandran Ashwin was shocked to see 19 wickets falling on the first day of the Perth Test in the Ashes 2025/26. The former Indian cricketer posted a GIF on X and hinted at the double standards of analysts for selective criticism. He wondered if the same would be said about the Indian pitch if it turns out to be similar against South Africa in Guwahati.

The first day of the Perth Test witnessed a huge fall of wickets, as England was dismissed in just a little over a session of time. Likewise, Australia's nine wickets had fallen by the end of the day's play. The pitch and the quality of the batters were both questioned by the fans and critics.

Ashwin noted that the last time a Test was played in Perth, India batted first, scored approximately 150 runs in the first innings, and went on to win the Test by over 300 runs. He wondered how much England would make this time. Ashwin noted England made about 22 runs more after they were dismissed.

"What if the same happens tomorrow in Guwahati?" - Ravichadran Ashwin

"India won the toss and batted first at Perth last summer to make 150 in the first innings and went on to win the test by almost 300 runs. How much will England make after deciding to bat first today? #Ashes2025," Ashwin wrote on X.

He revisited at the end of the day's play and noted that 19 wickets fell on the day, and not many criticized the nature of the surface. "Only 19 wickets fell at Perth today, but an excellent day's cricket. Oh no! What if the same happens tomorrow in Guwahati?" Ashwin wrote.