Pink ball bitten, Red Ball shy, BCCI to go for flat track in 4th Test
Monday, 1 March 2021 (12:37 IST)
Ahemdabad: The much-touted historic pink ball test played at Narendra Modi Stadium turned out to be a two-day affair, with the host proving too hot to handle for the touring side. India registered a 10 wicket win over England after 20 years.
Amid all sorts of criticism faced by the cricket fraternity, BCCI has now decided to play safe. As per the sources, it will be a run feast at the newly renovated Narendra Modi Stadium after the third test lasted only for 140 overs or 842 balls. The board has pushed for this move in a bid to evade any sanctions from the ICC.
On condition of Anonymity, a senior official of BCCI in an interview with a news agency said" The pitch is going to be tough not for the batsman but in nature. It will assist an even bounce for the first half of the game. The match will be played by the traditional red ball so it will be a batsman paradise. The final test match scheduled between 4th to 8th march may be a high-scoring game.
The top officials and team management know another pitch with a lot of wear and tear could be detrimental for the venue which is expected to host few matches of the Indian premier league and ICC t-20 world cup.
BCCI official said, "If two matches are played on a single pitch then one result can't be aloof. After the final test ICC will take the decision on the basis of the report prepared by match referee Javagal Srinath. The England team has not filed an official complaint."
He added" The much-touted third test was all about the pink ball. The speed of the ball was swift after pitching, there were no demons on the pitch as stated by former England players. The English batsman failed to play the straight deliveries. However, BCCI knows that these kinds of pitches may backfire any day."
There is a scant possibility of any action from ICC if there are a rank turner and flat track on the same venue. India would love to trounce England with a 3-1 win but it doesn't require a spin-friendly pitch like past as a draw will cement the berth for Team India in the final of ICC Test Championship. (WD)
