England turn to spin for India test in Hyderabad

THERE was sufficient dew at 10.00 AM on Tuesday. A little later in the day, the sun's strength wasn't harsh.

- SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN Hyderabad

So the ground staff had left the main strip uncovered. At 10.00 AM on Wednesday, the ground was bone dry. A harsher sun had covered the vast swathes of the lush greens of the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

So, the ground staff had covered the main strip, not wanting to expose the surface to the vagaries of the weather. Therein lies the challenge of preparing a surface capable of going into the fifth day.

The strip to be used for the first Test comprises both black and red with the majority the former. It's understood that the surface in play has seen some extensive work for over a week.