India vs England 2021: Fourth test pitch will be a ‘batting beauty’ – Reports

India vs England 2021: Fourth test pitch will be a ‘batting beauty’ – Reports

Narendra Modi Stadium

India vs England, Ahemadabad, 2021
Action from the third test

The recently concluded third test between India and England in Ahmedabad came under intense scrutiny for the nature of the pitch. The ball spun right from ball one and both sets of batsmen found the going tough as they folded for less than 150. The likes of Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jack Leach and even Joe Root enjoyed the conditions and used it to the fullest to chip away with regular wickets.

The match concluded within two days and the same has sparked debate among cricketing circles as to whether such pitches should be allowed. Even as the debate continues to rage on, reports have now arisen stating that the fourth test in Ahmedabad will have a pitch that is completely different from the one in the third match. ‘A batting beauty’ with firm and even bounce has been promised for the same.

BCCI official speaks on the fourth test pitch

Narendra Modi Stadium

An official from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly spoke to PTI and talked about the pitch for the fourth test. “Expect a good hard surface which will be firm and even bounce. It will be a batting beauty and since its a traditional red ball match, one can expect a very high scoring contest here from March 4-8,” he reportedly said.

“If there are two matches played at the same venue, you can’t hold one result in isolation. Let the final Test be over and then only based on match referee Javagal Srinath’s report can ICC decide its course of action. Also as of now, the England team hasn’t lodged any official complaint,” the official added.

Talking about the third test’s pitch, “The pink ball Test went well because it was more about the ball and the way it skidded rather than the pitch which many English former greats are panning. It was straight deliveries that they couldn’t counter. But having said that these kind of tracks have a tendency to backfire and BCCI is well aware of that,” he is reported to have said.

The fourth test is set to begin on the 4th of March.

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