IND v AFG 2018: Chinnaswamy curators assure a sporting wicket for historic Test

Indian will play Afghanistan in the one-off Test on 14 June in Bengaluru.

The M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru | Getty Images

Afghanistan are all set to make their mark in the annals of Test cricket when they willplay their debut Test against India on 14 June at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and Bengaluru curators have promised a sporting track for the historic Test match.

The Chinnaswamy curators and groundsmen already started preparation of the pitch for the one-off Test last week, but lack of sunshine and light rain hampered their work over the last few days, and forced them to work round-the-clock to get ready the pitch in-time.

On Sunday (10 June), the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) staff was planning to cover the 22-yard square with shamiana and continue work as they have just 2 days to prepare the pitch, but a couple of hours of sunshine made things easy for them to work without the extra frills.

As per reports in Times of India, Prashanth Rao, the KSCA assistant curator said, “The ground staff are working round-the-clock to ensure work is completed on time. They haven't got a break even after the IPL. We have got reinforcement of groundsmen from the KSCA facilities in Shivamogga and Mysuru and about 30 people are on the job.”

Meanwhile, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for its turning track which might be really helpful for Afghanistan which is stronger in spin with Rashid Khan leading spin brigade consisting with Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi, which can pose a serious threat to Ajinkya Rahane and his players in the one-off Test.

Furthermore, Afghanistan are already familiar with Indian conditions, thanks to exposure in IPL and home base in Greater Noida, giving them a fair advantage. Seeing that, the Indian think-tank have reportedly asked for a seaming track for Bangalore Test, but KSCA curators dismissed such talks by saying they are not preparing a wicket for India or Afghanistan.

K Sriram, the KSCA curator signed off by saying, “It will be a good wicket. We are not preparing a wicket for India or Afghanistan, but for a good game of cricket. It will be a good five-day wicket with a little grass and turn once the pitch starts to wear. The rain has hampered the preparations but we are well-prepared to handle the situation and ensure the show goes on without a hitch.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 11 Jun, 2018

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