The International Cricket Council (ICC) has provided pitch ratings for the most recent Tests throughout the world. Notably, just one of the five surfaces used during India’s home Test season was rated’very good’.
India hosted five Test matches: two against Bangladesh in Chennai and Kanpur, and three against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. The pitches at these sites garnered mostly ordinary evaluations, with only one sticking out.
However, the outfield for India’s Kanpur Test against Bangladesh was graded ‘unsatisfactory’. This grade could affect the venue’s future hosting opportunities. The ICC’s pitch and outfield ratings are designed to ensure ideal playing conditions and high standards in international cricket. The ratings provide essential feedback to grounds personnel and cricket boards, allowing them to enhance their facilities.
ICC Releases Pitch Rating For India’s Home Tests
The ICC released India’s home season pitch ratings. The outfield of Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium, which hosted the second Test against Bangladesh, was rated “Unsatisfactory” due to inadequate drainage facilities. Intermittent rain ruined two full days of play.
None of the pitches used in the Test series against New Zealand exceeded a “Satisfactory” rating. David Boon, the match referee, appraised the pitches. The Bengaluru pitch originally favored fast bowlers, but India chose spin-friendly tracks in Mumbai and Pune. Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel, New Zealand’s spinners, took advantage of the conditions.
The Bangladesh high-scoring tracks at Hyderabad, Delhi, and Gwalior, on the other hand, received “Very Good” ratings. On a scale of very good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory, below average, poor, and unfit, the ICC rates pitches. India’s batting difficulties on spin-friendly fields were brought to light by their startling 0-3 loss to New Zealand, and the Kanpur outfield’s rating could affect their chances of hosting in the future.
PITCH RATINGS FOR INDIA’S HOME TEST SEASON
- India vs Bangladesh, 1st Test in Chennai – Pitch: Very Good, Outfield: Very Good
- India vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test in Kanpur – Pitch: Satisfactory, Outfield: Unsatisfactory
- India vs New Zealand, 1st Test in Bengaluru – Pitch: Satisfactory, Outfield: Very Good
- India vs New Zealand, 2nd Test in Pune – Pitch: Satisfactory, Outfield: Satisfactory
- India vs New Zealand, 3rd test in Mumbai – Pitch: Satisfactory, Outfield: Very Good
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