Langer surprised at ICC's Perth rating, seeks bat-ball balance to avoid boredom

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."
"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."
"We weight up all those things. Pete's a very good player of spin bowling and Mitch is a good player of spin too. They are the hard decisions. You generally talk about one position and they are the ones that give you the most headaches."