India and Australia are currently involved in the high-voltage Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Both sides have faced each other in three matches, in which the hosts won the first two Tests while the touring party came out victorious on one occasion.
In most parts of the Test series, pitches have become a major talking point, with all three Tests getting over within three days. Notably, the surfaces for the first two Tests in Nagpur and Delhi received an ‘average’ rating, while the strip for the third Test in Indore was rated ‘poor’ by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
No wonder the Ahmedabad pitch is already at the centre of attention ahead of the upcoming match. A few pictures from the stadium have emerged, but the Australian camp hasn’t been able to decide their strategy for the must-win contest.
It is also reported that the curators have not received any instruction from the Indian team management or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about the preparation of the track. So far, it seems even the Indian camp has confusion over what kind of pitch they want to be prepared.
“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,” said a state association source as quoted by the news agency PTI.
“Obviously, (over the) last few days, the BCCI’s grounds and pitches committee instruct the local curator … but, certainly, from our end, our endeavour is to produce a good Test match pitch,” the source added.
Here are a few pictures:
Genuine confusion in Australian call over which pitch is being prepared at Narendra Modi Stadium pic.twitter.com/s2gzc4Z0fU
— Peter Lalor (@plalor) March 7, 2023
Keeping one’s options open. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/V6vrLAFhcA
— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) March 7, 2023
First look of Ahmedabad pitch for the 4th Test match between India vs Australia. pic.twitter.com/CwlcN5LOht
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) March 7, 2023
Seems like a call over which pitch will be used for the fourth Test has not yet been made. They are covering two strips at the moment #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/DgX6YF9JXA
— Louis Cameron (@LouisDBCameron) March 7, 2023
Steven Smith closely assessing the Ahmedabad Pitch conditions. pic.twitter.com/PLjTYl4DGf
— IPLnCricket | Everything ‘Cricket’ & #IPL2023 🏏 (@IPLnCricket) March 7, 2023
Rohit Sharma checking the Ahmedabad pitch for #IndvsAus Fourth Test – looked unhappy and had long discussion with pitch curator.#BGT2023 pic.twitter.com/WCJWWbYe2p
— Dr. Cric Point 🏏 (@drcricpoint) March 7, 2023
#Ahmedabad #pitch for 4th #BGT2023 test#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Y3IhnQVrhV
— Shivam Goswami (@ShivamG35246186) March 7, 2023
The Narendra Modi Stadium, where the final Test will be played, has hosted two Test matches since its million-dollar renovation – both against England in 2021. The first of the two Tests against the English side wrapped up inside two days as the Indian spinners wreaked havoc, claiming 35 of the 40 wickets.