Ground staff prepares the pitch ahead of the first test cricket match of a series between India and Bangladesh, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, in Chennai, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (PTI Photo)
Red-soil Chennai pitch sheds grass ahead of India’s first Test against Bangladesh
With India not ready to give any advantage to Bangladesh – who have three quality spinners in their ranks – it has been a challenging few days for the groundstaff at the MA Chidambaram Stadium to handle the red-soil surface in sweltering Chennai heat.
Two questions raise: Why did they have the red soil that abets bounce and what did they do to mitigate Bangladesh’s spinners, considering when India arrived here last Thursday for the prepatory camp, the pitch No 4 to be used for the Test had a thick grass cover that it was almost impossible to separate it from the outfield?
The red soil because The Indian Express understands that the India team management has preferred a bouncy track for the Test with an eye on the Australia tour. Out of the five home Tests lined-up, they are set to play three on red soil pitches in Chennai, Pune and Mumbai as it generally tends to aid good bounce. (READ MORE)
