ASTRO BLAST

Bellamy reaches fever pitch as Wales face qualifier on artificial turf

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CRAIG BELLAMY says he does not understand why Wales are playing their World Cup qualifier on Kazakhstan's artificial pitch.

The Astana Arena was opened in July 2009 at a cost of $185million and the venue hosts major club and international matches as Kazakhstan’ biggest stadium.

Although the 30,000-capacity arena has a retractable roof, artificial turf was installed to protect the pitch against the harsh Kazakh winter.

The surface has passed the ‘FIFA 2 Star test’ to ensure it meets professional, international standards.