The International Cricket Council (ICC) has assessed the pitches used in the ODI World Cup final between India and Australia and the second semifinal between Australia and South Africa, giving them an ‘average’ rating. The evaluations were carried out by ICC match referee Andy Pycroft for the final and former India pacer Javagal Srinath for the second semifinal.
Australia’s Concerns Addressed
Ahead of the ODI World Cup final, there were reports that the Australian team, led by captain Pat Cummins, had raised concerns about the state of the pitch. Despite the concerns, the match proceeded as planned, and Australia emerged victorious. Cummins had later termed the pitch as “pretty good” in the pre-match press conference.
Throughout the ODI World Cup, India played in five matches where the pitches received an ‘average’ rating from the ICC. These matches included encounters against South Africa in Kolkata, England in Lucknow, Pakistan in Ahmedabad, and Australia in Chennai, in addition to the final against Australia.
Controversial Pitch Rating in Wankhede Semifinal
The pitch for the World Cup semifinal between India and New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, the centre of a massive controversy, received a ‘good’ rating from the ICC. The match, played on a used pitch, witnessed India posting a formidable 397 for four, with the Kiwis making 327 in reply.
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is poised to host all three matches of England Lions’ ‘shadow tour’ to India in January-February 2024. The BCCI has requested this venue change, shifting matches initially planned for Mumbai, Pune, and Karnataka. The England Lions will also play a warm-up match at the venue ahead of their tour to India.
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