IND v AUS 2023: Third Test set to be shifted out of Dharamsala; Indore and Rajkot frontrunners to host the fixture

Dharamsala was slated to host the third Test match from March 1-5.

The third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is all set to be moved out of Dharamsala as the venue is not match ready, ESPNCricinfo reported on Sunday (February 12).

The picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium was slated to host the fixture from March 1-5.

While the BCCI is yet to finalise the new venue, the report suggests that Indore and Rajkot are the frontrunners to stage the Test match.

According to the report, the BCCI took the decision to shift the fixture out of Dharamsala after an unfavourable report from the board's inspection panel.

Earlier, it was reported that the BCCI’s inspection team visited the ground on February 11 and noted several bald patches on the outfield, which was re-laid recently by the HPCA to fit a new drainage system.

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium last hosted an international match in February 2022 when India took on Sri Lanka in two T20Is at the venue.

Having won the opening Test in Nagpur by an innings and 132 runs, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian side is currently leading the four-match Test 1-0.

The second Test match is due to be played in Delhi from February 17.

(ESPNCricinfo Inputs)