There were rumors that ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson might leave ahead of the India vs. Australia final following the uproar over the Wankhede Stadium pitch being change before the first semi-final match of the ODI World Cup 2023.
Atkinson, however, has reportedly arrived in Ahmedabad for the summit match. And is expect to inspect the pitch where Australia and India will compete for the ODI world title this Sunday. This information was report by news agency PTI.
Atkinson was the one who started the pitch switch controversy. Accusing the hosts India of implementing the change and requesting a used surface rather than a brand-new one.
It led to ICC clarifying that there’s no such rule of using fresh tracks for the semi-finals. And that Atkinson was apprised of the changes in advance.
“Andy hasn’t gone back home. He has come with ICC delegation today afternoon and hence didn’t come to the ground. He will be available tomorrow to check on the preparation of the pitch” . The news agency quoted an ICC source as claiming.
“315 Defendable Score, Batting Second Will be Difficult”says pitch experts
The report also stated that BCCI GM (Domestic cricket) Abbey Kuruvilla, his deputy Taposh Chatterjee, and chief of ground staff Ashok Bhowmick observed Friday’s pitch preparation.
Uncertainty exists regarding whether the last, heavy roller will be placed on a new surface or the strip.
“If heavy roller is being use on a black soil pitch. The idea is to create a slow batting track where you can get a big score but you possibly can’t consistently hit through the line. 315 could be a defendable score as batting second will be difficult,”. A state association curator says in the report.
India captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid did take a look at the pitch and reportedly had a long discussion with Bhowmick and Chatterjee.
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