Ravi Shastri (Photo Source: Hotstar)
After Team India faced a nine-wicket loss in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the pitch debate has probably continued. Earlier on Friday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that the Indore pitch, where the third Test was played, has been rated as ‘poor.’
India skipper Rohit Sharma has revealed that he was not happy with the talks surrounding the pitches. Ahead of the final Test, Rohit said that the team will prepare pitches which will assist the spinners.
While agreeing with Rohit’s assumption that the Ahmedabad pitch will turn, former India head coach Ravi Shastri asked, ‘How quickly?’ Shastri was unsure about the condition of the pitch for the fourth Test amid the backlash after the Indore Test.
While speaking with Star Sports, the former India captain referred the Narendra Modi Stadium to the Indore pitch that offered more than six degrees of turn as early on Day 1.
“It will turn but the question is, how quickly? How long will they keep it in the oven? They kept it a bit long for this time,” said Shastri.
Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden also chimed in about the Ahmedabad pitch. Hayden was one cricketer who seemed very critical of the pitch used in Indore.
“It will be really nice to see a pitch that allows both of these great batting units to showcase their skills and abilities,” Hayden said.
“True. I think a lot of spectators around the world would want that. Batters of both teams would want that,” the former lanky Indian head coach responded.
BCCI did not give any instructions to Gujarat state association
As per a state association official, they have not received any specific instructions from the Indian team management since the pitch preparations in Ahmedabad are more concerned.
“We haven’t received any instructions from the Indian team management and our local curators are preparing a normal track as we have always done through the season,” the official told PTI on Saturday.
The final Test of the four-match series will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium from March 9. India won the first two Tests and subsequently retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Meanwhile, Australia made a terrific comeback and beat India in the third Test. With this win, Australia also secured their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final which will begin from June 7.
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