The wicket looked like a blank sheet of brown paper in the centre of Dharamshala Stadium. Unseasonal rain had prevented ground staff from doing much on it for the past few days, but the weather allowed curators to get to work on the clean-up on Monday. In consultation, the curators will decide what type of pitch to provide over the next few days, with the Indian team management, but it looks like once again England will face a slow turner at the picturesque venue.
After losing the first Test in Hyderabad, pitches like these have helped the home team bounce back and win the three games before the final match to clinch the series. The Indian team management has realized which type of pitch suits its strengths and is keen to stick to the tried and tested formula, and the spinners are also expected to come into play under the Dhauladhar range.
The stadium’s outfield became a bit damp due to unseasonal rain and now it looks as if a carpet has been spread on the field. In March, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) had to abandon a Test match against Australia because the outfield was not ready and the game had to be transferred at the last hour to the Indian Board in Indore.
However, the venue has hosted several 50-over World Cup games in the past year and has also hosted a few Ranji Trophy games so they have not faced any criticism on the outfield. This can be ensured. The HPCA aims to make the final Test a grand affair and more than 5,000 English fans are expected for the game despite the hosts having already won the series.
Dravid, Rohit for inauguration?
Meanwhile, posters put up around Union Sports Minister Dharamshala and Bilaspur district of India captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid are said to be inaugurating the third edition of the Khel Mahakumbh along with former BCCI president Anurag Thakur. According to a source, both are likely to fly by helicopter.
Addressing the local media, BJP state secretary Narendra Attri said various sports activities including kabaddi, volleyball, cricket, basketball and athletics will be organized at Luhnu ground for the next few days. There are posters ‘welcoming’ the former HPCA president Thakur and his brother Arun Dhumal, the IPL Governing Council chairman, on the road leading to the stadium.
The Indian team, meanwhile, had a rest day on Monday as they conducted a photo shoot for the players ahead of the T20 World Cup, which could be headed to the West Indies and the USA in June. Players like Rinku Singh, who is not part of the Test team, were taken to Dharamshala and were seen posing for the shutterbugs at the stadium.
The first practice session of the Indian team will be held in the afternoon on Tuesday, concluding with the fifth test.