India request to prepare a green top for Nagpur Test

The team management of India has requested to prepare a green top for the second Test of the three-match series against Sri Lanka. The hosts were ever so close to the victory in the first game in Kolkata which was also played on a similar wicket under overcast conditions. World number 1 side seems to be preparing hard for the tour of South Africa in January where they are expecting seaming conditions and bouncy wickets.

Virat Kohli led side struggled to put bat to ball in the first two days during the first Test when the rain was around. The move from the hosts is a brave one considering the fact that Suranga Lakmal ran through their top order last week while bowling first. It is clear that they are looking forward to the overseas tours next year and are ready to embrace the challenge thrown in front of them.

Heavy roller used on the pitch

According to the Indian Express, the ground staff at Jamtha was seen using a heavy roller on the pitch ahead of the start of the Test match on Friday. They also sprinkled water from time to time on a grass laden wicket. Nagpur has previously faced the brunt of the International Cricket Council (ICC) for producing rank turners. It would be interesting to see if the wicket spices up after these efforts from the curator.

Last time the wicket in Nagpur assisted the pacers was in 2004 when India played against Australia. The pitch had a tinge of grass on it which was against the wish of the then skipper Sourav Ganguly. Since then, the fans have witnessed low-scoring affairs at the venue. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, would look to take this opportunity to try and win their first ever Test match in India after dominating them for the most part of the first Test.