IND vs AUS: Following Indore pitch’s demerit saga; Gujarat Cricket Association reveals instructions for Ahmedabad pitch

With the conclusion of the third Test between India and Australia within three days, the track at the Holkar Stadium is getting discussed a lot in the cricketing circle. In fact, all the matches in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy haven't seen the light of Day Four. The matter has gone worse after ICC’s stern verdict on the same. Earlier, the Indore pitch got fierce reactions from some of the former cricketers as well.

However, ignoring the discussions on the previous match’s pitch, Rohit Sharma and his brigade will look to bounce back in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to be played from March 9 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The contest becomes more crucial for India as they will look to cement the spot in the ICC World Test Championship final as well. Four days prior to the beginning of the fourth Test of the tournament, the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) revealed instructions from the Indian team on the Ahmedabad pitch.

At the Holkar Stadium, the Australian team made a comeback against the hosts, sealing the game convincingly by nine wickets in hand. Using 4.8 degrees of turn from the pitch in their favour, Aussie spinners Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann got hold of India batters and took their team home with their superb bowling shows.

Following the end of the third Test within three days, the pitch drew angry reactions from supporters and former cricketers as well. Giving his opinion on the pitch, ICC match referee Chris Broad said “The pitch, which was very dry, did not provide a balance between bat and ball, favouring spinners from the start," as the track was handed three demerit points.

Gujarat Cricket Association aiming for a sporting track in Ahmedabad

Unlike the Indore track, the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) is now avoiding risking their reputation and focusing on preparing a normal pitch for the decider. Speaking to PTI on Saturday, a state association source said, "We haven't received any instructions from the Indian team management and our local curators are preparing a normal track as we have always done through the season."

"In fact, last Ranji game over here in January, Railways scored 500 plus (508) batting first and Gujarat, although suffered innings defeat, scored 200 plus in both innings. It won't be too different this time. Obviously, last few days the BCCI's grounds and pitches committee instruct the local curator. But, certainly, from our end our endeavour is to produce a good Test match pitch," he continued.

In 2021, two Tests between India and England were played at the stadium and both ended within two days resulting in India’s victory in both. "You have two factors in that the Day/Night Test and the one after that were the first ones held after the stadium was refurbished and you had no clue how the pitch will pan out," the state association source concluded.

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