The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Monday (February 13) confirmed that the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 has been shifted to Indore from Dharamsala.
The picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium was originally due to host the fixture from March 1-5, but the venue won’t be match-ready in two weeks’ time having been recently re-laid.
“Owing to harsh winter conditions in the region, the outfield lacks sufficient grass density and will need some time to develop fully,” the BCCI said in an official release.
As soon as the BCCI issued a statement, Australian media outlet Fox Cricket raised alarm bells over veteran India spinner R Ashwin's record in Indore.
“BREAKING: The third India Test has been moved to a new venue ... where Ravichandran Ashwin averages 12.50 with the ball,” Fox Cricket tweeted.
Meanwhile, former India opener Aakash Chopra and veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik took cheeky jibes at Fox Cricket’s post.
“Self-destruction Module-1. Indore can be one of the flattest pitches in the country. Hasn’t hosted a lot of test cricket either. IMHO, it is Australia’s best chance to draw a test. Or even win. But…the Ashwin obsession is likely to FOX Australians again,” Chopra wrote in response.
On the other hand, Karthik replied: “The admin here clearly is one hell of a worrier. Seems to play more mind games with the Australian team than the other way around.”
During the opening Test in Nagpur, Fox Cricket had alleged that Ravindra Jadeja was applying an ‘interesting substance’ on his bowling finger based on a short video clip. Later, it was found that the ‘substance’ was an ointment for Jadeja's sore finger.
Ashwin and Jadeja spun a web around Australia with the ball to script India’s innings and 132-run victory in the first Test at VCA Stadium, Nagpur.
Jadeja ran through the Australian batting line-up in the first innings, picking a five-wicket haul (5-47) to bundle out the visitors for a paltry 177.
After India took a massive first-innings lead of 223 runs, it was Ashwin’s turn to demolish the Aussies with the ball. The veteran off-spinner returned with the figures of 5 for 37 in his 12 overs as the hosts bowl out the tourists for a mere 91 to wrap the match inside three days.
The second Test match is due to be held in Delhi from February 17.
