IND vs AUS: Ahmedabad pitch conundrum continues with two strips being prepared for fourth Test

There has been a lot of discussions around the pitch which has remained constant during the Border-Gavaskar Test series with Australian media trying to scrutinize the preparation methods quite critically. In fact they did not shied away from calling Indian management deliberately preparing rank turners, thereby doing a disservice to cricket in totality. Now, speaking of Indore Test, the rolling out of spin-friendly pitch has probably backfired for the hosts.

The magnitude of this can be understood by the fact that out of the 31 wickets which fell at the Holkar Stadium, 26 wickets came via spinners. Moreover in the follow up not only Australia pulled off a stunning nine-wicket victory but the ICC handed a "poor" rating for the surface used in Indore. Meanwhile, in an interesting turn of events, the fourth Test which is scheduled to happen in Ahmedabad, has only increased the pitch conundrum for both the Australian and media alike.

In a seemingly interesting move, the Indian pitch curators are keeping all the options open at their hands, as two pitches have been prepared for the decider. This has sparked the curiosity and the question for the Aussies as they remain uncertain about which strip will be used on the match-day which is scheduled to commence on March 9. Interestingly enough, the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Head coach Rahul Dravid were spotted having long monitoring of the centre of the wicket during their training sessions on Tuesday. However, several experts including skipper of the Indian side shared their views regarding the pitch discussions.

Post the Indore Test, Sharma chimed in support of Indian management's decision. "We want to play to our strength at home and not worry what the people outside are talking about. Our strength is spin and our batting depth," he stated. Furthermore, the Nagpur-born opener said that there has been too much focus on the pitch rather than playing good cricket.

Moreover, some Indian officials have been keeping an eye on the pitch preparation process throughout this Test series. "We want to play to our strength at home and not worry what the people outside are talking about. Our strength is spin and our batting depth. People have to play well for the game to last for five days. Games are not lasting for five days even outside India," an official quoted as per Abc.net.au.

President of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) opens up on ICC's rating verdict

After the much debate on the pitch, based on the match referee Chris Broad's report, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has earlier deemed the Indore pitch as "poor". Barring Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar, most experts seemed convinced with the decision. Albiet, Gavaskar felt the technique of playing was shoddier than the pitch in question. Notably, out of the last 11 Tests played in India, Seven Tests have finished within a matter of three days, which includes the ongoing Test series as well.

However, Abhilash Khandeka, the President of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA), has come out in the state association's defence. Khandeka iterated that with BCCI officials thoroughly handling the pitch-making process, they have been treated unfairly by the ICC, the foreign media and the BCCI management alike. Notably, after the ground in Dharamsala was ruled as unfit for the third Test by the BCCI, Indore was chosen as the last-minute venue.

"Two curators from BCCI had come eight to 10 days before the match. The pitch was prepared under their supervision. The MPCA had no role in making the pitch," Khandeka told The Times of India this week.

"I want to make it clear that just like any other state board association in international matches, MPCA has no role in making the pitch. BCCI curators come and they get the direction from BCCI along with the Indian team management," the President of the MPCA concluded.

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