“A bit more challenging…”: Adelaide pitch curator gives astounding statement ahead of second Test
Ahead of the pink-ball Test between Australia and India which will be played at the Adelaide Oval from December 6, the head curator of the stadium, Damian Hough, said that 6 millimeters of grass will be used on the pitch.
India will come into the second match brimming with confidence following a one-sided 295-run win at the Optus Stadium in Perth which saw them take a 1-0 lead in the 5-match series. However, the Baggy Greens enjoy a phenomenal record in pink-ball Tests held at the Adelaide Oval as they are yet to lose a day-night match at the venue.
“Everything seems to stay the same. So it is of course matter grass, even grass cover, good deep moisture, but dry and hard. So something where the quicks will get a bit out of it, spinners will be able to get some bite and turn and bounce. But also important for us to get some partnerships in the players and the players to be able to play their shots. Should be around six. Right now we are at seven, but I reckon it will be six millimetres,” Hough said at a pre-match press conference.
Hough said that while he cannot predict the pitch will change, one always wants pitches to change in Test cricket. He also said that the pitch will offer enough help to both the pacers and spinners, but will also aid the batters once the ball gets old.
“Do you want it to change? Of course you do. Test matches should see it change throughout the course of the four or five days. Drop-in pitches are a bit more challenging,” Hough said.
“There is no doubt about that because they (drop-in pitches) hold together so well. Traditionally in Adelaide, it should do enough with the new ball for the whole game and it still should grip into that grass and bounce and spin for the whole game. But as the ball gets older, hopefully, the players or the batters can build partnerships and score some runs,” Hough added.
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