Galle Pitch Preparations Hint at What India Could Face in Series Opener

Pitch at the Galle International Stadium. Image :Subhayan Chakraborty, RevSportzVaibhav Tripathi, Galle

For the first time on the tour, Team India had a rest day on Wednesday. Much like they have been doing since August 8, Sri Lanka practised at the scenic Galle International Stadium. Between the start of their practice session and the announcement of their squad, Gautam Gambhir, dressed casually, made a surprise visit to the stadium. The India head coach wasn’t alone.

Accompanying him were batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule. The coaching trio was there to have a look at the pitch, which has become a major talking point.

Gambhir was seen taking a closer look at the pitch after removing his glasses. He assessed the pitch with Kotak and then had a conversation with the curator as well, in order to get an idea of the pitch preparations.

The main pitch cover was briefly removed for an inspection by the Indian contingent and was immediately put back on once they left.

Work continued on the pitch for most of the day, with the ground staff making regular visits to the playing area. About an hour after Gambhir’s departure, the main cover was removed once more and a mower was used on the surface. The pitch had little grass remaining, with the bulk of it having been removed three nights before the game.
The ground staff were under watch as they went back and forth across the playing surface before running the roller. The pitch was subsequently left open to the sun for a short period before being covered again.

Galle has been good for batting in the recent past, especially during the first three days. Even pacers have found success at this open venue, with the breeze playing a big factor. Going by the statistics, historically, spinners have enjoyed bowling on this surface. Someone like Prabath Jayasuriya, who will lead Sri Lanka’s spin attack, has taken 81 wickets at this venue in 11 innings. Ramesh Mendis, too, has more than 50 Test wickets at this venue.

Given how India have played Test cricket, specifically in the subcontinent against spinners, the talk around the pitch tends to intensify as the match approaches.

With the grass removed and the pitch exposed to the sun, it could play well for batters for at least two days. However, the preparations indicate that spinners will come into effect, and the game is unlikely to go into the fifth day.

Will the pitch favour the batters, as has been the case in the recent past, or will it turn? In the middle of those questions stands an Indian team that is likely to decide on its playing combination only after a thorough assessment of the pitch.

Two practice sessions before the match will give a clearer idea of what India’s combination could be for the series opener.

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The post Galle Pitch Preparations Hint at What India Could Face in Series Opener appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.



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