The ICC has designated the pitches for the ODI World Cup final between India and Australia at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, the semifinal between Australia and South Africa at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, as ‘average.’
The ICC assessed the pitches for the India vs. Australia World Cup final and the second semifinal between Australia and South Africa, both labeled as ‘average’, while the India vs. New Zealand group game pitch received a ‘good’ rating. During the final, Australia’s strategic bowling on the sluggish pitch limited India to 240 runs in 50 overs. Travis Head’s remarkable 137 off 120 balls facilitated Australia’s victory as they chased the target in just 43 overs. In the second semifinal, Australia restricted South Africa to 212 runs in 49.4 overs and successfully chased down the target in 47.2 overs, securing victory despite losing seven wickets, showcasing their dominance on varied pitch conditions throughout the tournament.
ICC match referee Andy Pycroft rated the final’s pitch, previously used for India versus Pakistan, while ex-India pacer Javagal Srinath assessed the second semifinal’s wicket. Reports suggested Australian concerns, led by skipper Pat Cummins, about the final’s pitch, despite Cummins later terming it a “pretty good wicket.” Former captain Ricky Ponting criticized India’s pitch preparation, saying it “backfired.”
Out of India’s 11 tournament matches, including the final, five pitches received an ‘average’ rating by the ICC, involving games against South Africa, England, Pakistan, and Australia, indicating a consistent trend of pitch assessments across India’s matches in the tournament.
The Wankhede Stadium pitch for the India vs. New Zealand World Cup semifinal, previously amid controversy for a last-minute change, received a ‘good’ rating. India, batting first, amassed 397 for four, while New Zealand replied with 327 in 48.5 overs. During the World Cup, India’s head coach Rahul Dravid criticised ICC’s pitch ratings for matches against Australia and India ‘A’ in Ahmedabad.
Gujarat Cricket Association confirmed the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will likely host all matches of England Lions’ ‘shadow tour’ from January 6 to February 5, upon BCCI’s request, including a warm-up game. The India ‘A’ series originally planned in Mumbai, Pune, and Karnataka has been shifted to Ahmedabad for England’s tour
Last Updated on December 8, 2023
