IND AUS Dharamshala Test: IND vs AUS 3rd Test – India’s third Test in the Border Gavaskar Trophy vs Australia could be moved to a new venue. The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala was set to host the match, but concerns remain about its readiness for the game. The BCCI are set to take an inspection on February 12, with a final decision on the venue to be taken after the same. Follow India vs Australia LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
IND AUS Dharamshala Test: BCCI concerned as Rains wreak havoc at HPCA Stadium, risks losing IND vs AUS 3rd Test, Inspection on February 12 – Follow LIVE Updates
As per the Indian Express, the HPCA Stadium is in danger of losing its hosting rights for the IND vs AUS 3rd Test. The concerns come as the outfield at the picturesque stadium in Dharamshala is not ready. The HPCA had undertaken relay work for the outfield, but it is yet to be completed. Rains have wreaked further havoc, delaying the work.
“There is still some work need to be done near the side area of the pitch. We are hopeful that things will be ready before the game,” an HPCA source told the Indian Express.
A final decision on the venue is expected next week. There are a little over two weeks to go for the game and the HPCA are scrambling to be match ready. The BCCI will send an inspection team, including the curator, to the venue on Sunday, February 12. The report will decide Dharamshala’s fate. Mohali and Bangalore are being considered alternate venues.
HPCA meanwhile remain confident of hosting the game. While work is yet to be completed, the authorities believe the stadium will be match ready in the coming weeks. The ground has only hosted 1 Test, 6 six years ago when Australia last toured India.
“The HPCA will take a call after the BCCI inspection. We have relaid whole surface with proper drainage and have added sprinkle to the ground. Some work is still pending and as three weeks is left we feel the work will be completed,” a source in HPCA said.
Another concern for BCCI is that no matches have been played at the venue since the repair. Ideally, the stadiums are tested with a domestic game before being taken up for India games. During the Ranji Trophy, Himachal Pradesh played their home games at Nadaun.
Should the game be moved out, Mohali and Bengaluru are being considered options. Mohali offers proximity, with both teams playing the second Test match in Delhi. A call will be taken after the Dharamshala surface is inspected.
“In case the Test is moved out, even the curators at the new venue need time to get the pitch ready. A final call is expected by Monday or Tuesday,” a source told Indian Express.
IND AUS Dharamshala Test: BCCI concerned as Rains wreak havoc at HPCA Stadium, risks losing IND vs AUS 3rd Test, Inspection on February 12 – Follow LIVE Updates
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