India in danger of losing World Test Championship points if Chennai pitch is rated 'Poor'

Even if India go on to win the ongoing second Test against England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, they might not get the full 30 points because of the much-talked-about Chepauk pitch. At a time when every point is crucial, India might be slapped with point penalty if the Chepauk wicket is rated as ‘Poor’ by the ICC.

The pitch has become the talk of the town and has divided the cricketing fraternity into two halves. With the pitch favouring the spinners right from the start, several pundits, experts and fans have criticised it. The critics have also taken shots at Team India and have alleged that the hosts purposely prepared such a wicket.

The game is looking set to end inside four days and all eyes are now on the match-referee. If he gives a ‘Poor’ rating to the Chennai pitch, Team India will lose three points in accordance with the ICC regulations. If that happens, it will be a massive blow for Virat Kohli & Co. who are chasing the one remaining spot in the final of the World Test Championship.

India currently need to win the series against England 2-1 or 3-1 to qualify for the final, which takes place in June at Lord’s. New Zealand are already in the finals. Having lost the series-opener, the home side looks set to draw level in the series by winning the ongoing game.

What is a ‘Poor’ pitch?

According to ICC’s rules, the pitches are divided into different categories depending on the nature of the contest. As per the rules, a pitch is rated ‘Poor’ if it does not allow an even contest between bat and ball. As far as the ongoing game is concerned, India have done well with both bat and ball so far but it is England‘s failure with the bat that has played a big role in the pitch’s criticism.

“A poor pitch is one that does not even allow an even contest between bat and ball, either by favouring batters too much, and not giving the bowlers (seam and spin) from either side sufficient opportunity to take wickets, or by favouring the bowlers too much (seam or spin), and not giving the batters from either team the opportunity to make runs,” reads the ICC’s rule.

At the same time, the rules also state that a pitch is poor if it assists the spinners right from the start of the match. This is where things could get trickier for the home side as the spinners were able to get a sharp turn on the pitch right from day one.