One of the MCA groundstaff actively involved with the preparation of the 22-yard strip stated that Wankhede Stadium's pitch for the fourth Test is expected to assist slow bowlers only from the third day
Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. File pic
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Contrary to popular perceptions that Wankhede Stadium pitch for the fourth Test will be a rank turner, one of the MCA groundstaff actively involved with the preparation of the 22-yard strip stated that it is expected to assist slow bowlers only from the third day.
"The wicket will be normal. It won't turn on the first day and it can slowly start turning (assisting spin) from day three," a source told PTI on Monday. England are down 0-2 in the five-game series after the draw in the series opener at Rajkot and losses in the next two games at Vishakapatnam and Mohali. The visiting team must win the game here in order to have a chance to square the series at Chennai, slated to host the final match from December 16-20. "No special preparations are being made. The World T20 and Ranji matches have happened here. We have to prepare well for an international match and we have done that," he added.
"We got 20 days to prepare the wicket as a Ranji Trophy game was shifted away from the stadium (to another venue). In our opinion, there will be little bit of bounce. "We are watering as per the usual procedure. There was a little dew factor that we had to take into consideration and have done watering accordingly. Because of the dew, we watered it less," they added.
The sources also dismissed news reports that instructions have been received from team management with regards to the preparation of the pitch. Another MCA official said that "it will be good wicket" where one can expect good cricket, adding around 60-65 per cent season ticket sales have taken place so far.
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