On the stage set for the epic World Cup final, the Australian cricket team is steeling itself for an intense battle of spin at the grandiose Narendra Modi Stadium come Sunday, November 19. As the colossal venue gears up to be the battleground for the much-anticipated ODI face-off between India and Australia, all eyes are fixed on the famed 22-yard strip at its heart, which was subject to meticulous inspection on the eve of the match. This critical review saw a retinue of Australian team members, including players and coaches, probe the pitch extensively, followed by a similar examination later in the day by the Indian coach, Rahul Dravid, and his associates.
Amidst the scrutiny, a five-meter patch located in front of the crease on both ends emerged as a potential concern specifically from the Australian perspective. The apparent lack of watering on these patches, unlike the central portion of the wicket, sowed seeds of belief within the Aussie camp that spinners could be key players, possibly influencing the game right from the onset—more so than on any other pitches that featured in the tournament.
Comparisons were drawn to surfaces seen in Australia’s recent Test matches in Indore and Nagpur, the prior witnessing a notable Australian victory led by Travis Head’s decisive batting—Head is expected to be an opener in the upcoming final. However, the Australians refrained from lamenting or expressing surprise over the condition of the pitch. This nonchalant reaction, void of shock or dismay, could be pivotal for their psychological preparedness as they aim to topple an Indian team that has breezed through the tournament with apparent invincibility.
Interestingly, the pitch intended for the final is the same one on which the India-Pakistan clash occurred more than a month ago, earning an “average” rating from the ICC. Notably, the only other pitch to be branded ‘average’ this tournament was the one in Chennai for the World Cup opener against India, which also marked R Ashwin’s singular appearance thus far. Whether Ashwin returns to play a part in the final remains to be seen, but it would certainly reveal the hosting team’s strategy regarding the pitch’s characteristics.
Australian captain, Pat Cummins, downplayed the pitch conditions in his earlier media address, admitting his limited skill in pitch reading but describing the surface as firm and conducive for high scores, as noted in the India-Pakistan game.
Meanwhile, ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson and officials conferred at length with the ground personnel, with umpire Richard Kettleborough—scheduled to officiate the match alongside Richard Illingworth—seemed particularly invested in the discussions, extending his stay to consult with the local curator on specific aspects of the pitch.
Upon removing the covers, disparate patches of green and brown became visible across the wicket’s top, with the middle appearing slightly fresher than the ends—details not lost on the Australian contingent, thereby bolstering their prediction regarding the impact of spin in the game which will unfold before an audience exceeding 100,000 fervent fans.
The pitch also sparked conversations ahead of the semi-final between India and New Zealand in Mumbai, amid allegations of last-minute changes at the behest of the host team. Nevertheless, such insinuations did not faze Rohit Sharma and his squad, who have routinely churned out formidable totals and then complimented their batting strengths with a potent bowling attack, a formula they will seek to replicate in their indomitable journey to the World Cup’s culmination.