The Hindu : Sport : ‘Recent rain may affect bouncy nature of pitch’

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‘Recent rain may affect bouncy nature of pitch’

Mohali: Heavy monsoon rains that lasted until two weeks back may affect the bouncy nature of the Mohali track but seamers sticking to good line and length can expect to trouble the batsmen, says curator Daljit Singh.

“We got heavy rains this time. In fact, there was heavy downpour as recent as October 4 and nearly two-and-a-half feet deep water got collected on the surface which initially affected our ground preparations,” PCA’s Chief Curator, Daljit Singh said.

He said though the sun has been shining through the day during the past week the temperatures in the morning and evening have dropped.

With the first Test match between India and Australia ending in a draw, both teams would be looking for a result at Mohali, which hosts the second Test from October 17.

Still has moisture

“The wicket still has some moisture and we are hoping to have good sunshine over the next week. As usual, the fast bowlers should expect assistance from the track in the morning session. I would say if bowlers stick to a good line and length, they can force the edges,” he said.

He said Indian skipper Anil Kumble has been the man of the match here on two occasions and can definitely trouble the batsmen.

Daljit said the spinners should not hope to get assistance straightaway but as the match progresses they can expect some help.

“It has been the nature of this wicket that batsmen will have to play more carefully in the opening sessions. Overall, I would say it would be a good wicket,” he said. — PTI

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