The Green Park curator has revealed that the pitch for the second Test between India and Bangladesh will be a balanced five-day surface, offering assistance to both pacers and spinners at different stages of the game. The Test, which begins on Friday, is expected to have favourable conditions for fast bowlers during the first two sessions and assist batsmen over the first two days.
However, spinners are likely to take control during the last three days. Curator Shiv Kumar stated, “It will have something for everyone. There will be bounces in the first two sessions, and batting should be relatively easier for the first two days. After that, the spinners will dominate.” The pitch is expected to provide a challenge similar to the Chennai Test, where India thrashed Bangladesh by 280 runs.
Unique Black Soil Pitch to Aid Spinners in Later Stages
The pitch at Green Park has been prepared using black soil, a key feature that influences the match’s conditions. This particular black soil is sourced from Kali Mitti village, which is located 23 kilometres from Kanpur. The soil is known to aid spinners due to its composition, while pitches made from red soil tend to favour pacers.
An official from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) explained that the soil undergoes testing at the Indian Institute of Technology before being used to ensure it meets specific standards. “This soil is found near a pond in the village, and we’ve been using it for years,” the official said. The soil’s unique properties contribute to the slow and low nature of the pitch as the game progresses, especially during the later stages when spinners come into play.
In addition to preparing the pitch, the UPCA is also focusing on environmental sustainability. As part of their initiative to keep the stadium clean and minimize plastic usage, the association has decided to limit the use of plastic during the second Test. Plastic plates for snacks inside the stadium will be replaced with paper plates to make the match as environmentally friendly as possible.
“We are striving to make this a ‘green’ match,” said Sanjay Kapur, the stadium director. By reducing plastic use, the UPCA hopes to promote eco-friendly practices in line with their commitment to preserving the environment during major events at Green Park.
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