Different Test, Similar Pitch Likely

India eschew safer option and opt for a turner for the final match against England, with ground staff watering only select areas of the strip at Motera

- Venkata Krishna B

All that India need from the fourth Test against England is a draw to make it to the final of the World Test Championship. While the safer option for them would be to roll out a flat deck for the game starting on Thursday, the hosts are not ready to take any backward step. The strip for that match is also expected to be a turner.

The two-day finish in the previous match has put the venue in focus. In case the next one too ends in a similar fashion, the stadium could face censure from the International Cricket Council (ICC) if the match referee Javagal Srinath gives it a poor rating. Usually, the ICC sanctions venues if the pitches are ‘dangerous’ and it’s not based on low-scoring games.