Australia coach Justin Langer surprised at ICC's Perth rating
Melbourne: Australia coach Justin Langer Monday expressed surprise that the ICC had rated the Perth pitch 'average', saying Test cricket becomes "boring" in the absence of balance between bat and ball.
"I was really surprised (about Perth rating). A couple of deliveries stayed low, but I thought it was entertaining Test cricket. That was the fastest pitch I've ever seen in Perth and I've been there a long time," he said.
Australia won the second Test against India in Perth to restore parity in the four-match series. About the Melbourne Cricket Ground, venue for the third Test, he offered caution knowing how the pitch plays out over the course of five days.
"It's great to see some grass. I've said forever the most important thing in Test cricket are the pitches. If you have great pitches you'll have contest between bat and ball, then Test cricket will be alive and well.
"If we play on flat wickets then it becomes a boring game and that's from someone who loves Test cricket. Hopefully it's a contest between bat and ball because it's important, not just for this series but also for world cricket."
Langer was full of praise for Nathan Lyon who has taken 16 wickets in two Tests, and has been a pivotal member of the attack.
He talked up his duel with Kohli, whom Lyon has dismissed seven times in Test cricket.
"I hope it's 11 by the end of the series because we know Virat is another level. That hundred in the first innings is an unbelievable Test innings. He's a great player and great bowlers get out the great batsmen.
"They are great players for a reason because they stand up under pressure. Kohli does that, and Nathan Lyon doing it at the moment. He's turned into a world-class bowler. The other thing about him is there's some real confidence and he shows great leadership.
"He hasn't got a title at the moment - and his fielding is like a gazelle. He seems really settled off the field and he's having a big impact on it." The rubber is pegged at 1-1, with India winning the first Test at Adelaide and then Australia claiming the second in Perth.
