India vs Australia, World Cup 2023 Final : The BCCI officials have closely monitored the pitch preparations in Ahmedabad for the World Cup final.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the clash between India and Australia in the World Cup 2023 final, all eyes are on the pitch preparations in Ahmedabad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials have left no stone unturned in ensuring that the stage is set for a thrilling encounter. However, a noticeable absence has raised questions about the future of ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson.
World Cup 2023 Final : Pitch Prepration
In the crucial 48 hours leading up to the final, Atkinson was nowhere to be seen during the pitch preparation activities, prompting speculation about his role in the upcoming match. It was later revealed that Atkinson arrived in Ahmedabad on Friday afternoon and is scheduled to join the preparations on the following day.
“Andy hasn’t gone back home. He has come with the ICC delegation today afternoon and hence didn’t come to the ground. He will be available tomorrow to check on the preparation of the track,” an ICC source disclosed on the condition of anonymity.
Atkinson’s relationship with the BCCI has been somewhat strained, particularly after he accused the host nation of altering the track for the semi-final between India and New Zealand. Allegations were made that the pitch was changed from a fresh to a used one, but the ICC clarified that there is no rule against holding knockout matches on a used track. Atkinson had been informed of this development in advance.
In the absence of Atkinson, the pitch preparations were closely monitored by two senior BCCI officials, Ashish Bhowmick and Taposh Chatterjee, along with former India seamer and BCCI’s GM (Domestic Cricket) Abbey Kuruvilla. Their watchful eyes ensured that every detail of the pitch was scrutinized in anticipation of the high-stakes final on Sunday.
The big question lingering in the minds of cricket enthusiasts is whether the pitch for the final will be a used one or a fresh surface. The two senior curators and the BCCI GM closely observed the use of the heavy roller on the designated 22-yard strip, a process that can offer insights into the nature of the pitch.
”If a heavy roller is being used on a black soil strip, then the idea is to create a slow batting track where you can get a big score but you possibly can’t consistently hit through the line. 315 could be a defendable score as batting second will be difficult,” explained a state association curator.
Amidst the pitch speculations, the Indian team, led by skipper Rohit Sharma, engaged in an extensive net session. First-team regulars KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were joined by reserve players Ishan Kishan, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Prasidh Krishna. The team’s preparation included a meticulous examination of the pitch, with Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid spending considerable time discussing strategies with Bhowmick and Chatterjee.
The narrative leading up to the World Cup 2023 final is not merely about the clash between two cricketing giants but also about the intricate details of pitch preparation and the potential impact on the game. The absence of Atkinson, the scrutiny of the pitch, and the strategic discussions between players and groundstaff add layers of anticipation to an already high-stakes encounter.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the world cup 2023 final showdown, the pitch in Ahmedabad becomes not just a playing surface but a critical element shaping the narrative of the World Cup 2023 Final . Only time will reveal the mysteries embedded in the 22 yards that will witness the battle for cricketing glory between India and Australia.
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