The Chennai ground staff are working overtime in scorching conditions to prepare a red-soil pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium for India’s first Test against Bangladesh. This surface is specifically designed to help India gear up for their upcoming tour against Australia. Red soil, known for providing extra bounce, is the preferred choice, allowing Indian players to simulate conditions they will face in Australia.
India’s intention is clear – they want to utilise a bouncy track to prepare for the more challenging assignments down the line (India vs Australia). However, at the same time, they do not want to hand any advantage to Bangladesh, who have a strong spin bowling attack.
Grass shaving and heat management: India vs Bangladesh
When India arrived in Chennai last week, the designated pitch for the Test was covered in thick grass as per the Indian Express. The challenge for the ground staff, led by curator C Ramesh Kumar, was to ensure the red-soil surface maintained its bounce without benefiting Bangladesh’s spinners.
The team worked around the clock, carefully shaving off the grass while keeping the pitch hydrated to prevent it from crumbling under the intense Chennai heat. The use of hessian cloth and tarpaulin covers has been essential in controlling moisture levels, with the ground staff monitoring the surface closely. Temperatures in the city have soared into the high 30s, making the task even more demanding.
To maintain the right balance, the pitch is watered frequently and rolled multiple times each day, ensuring it stays firm and doesn’t break down prematurely. This delicate balance is key as it will prevent the surface from becoming too spin-friendly early in the game, while still offering the desired bounce.
Pitch Conditions: Test for India’s Spinners
India’s spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav, are set to feature in this Test, continuing the team’s strategy of playing three spinners at home. With Ashwin and Jadeja regular starters, Kuldeep’s impressive performances earlier this year have cemented his spot in the team.
The question surrounding India’s pace attack remains whether they will rest Mohammed Siraj for this Test, given their focus on managing workloads ahead of a busy season. Jasprit Bumrah is expected to lead the fast-bowling attack, but the team management is considering a rotation policy to keep players fresh.
Ready for Chennai Test against Bangladesh
Rohit Sharma & Co’s preparations in Chennai hint at a clear strategy for the upcoming India vs Australia series. The team has been practising on a similar pitch, one that has seen consistent watering to maintain firmness. With the grass almost entirely shaved off by the time India’s camp ended, the pitch will likely offer a balanced contest between bat and ball.
The final question remains whether the pitch will still have a tinge of grass on the morning of the Test. Either way, with both sides bringing quality spinners to the game, this Test could be an intriguing battle of skills on a surface designed with India’s future challenges in mind.
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