An extended winter, prediction of rain and natural conditions at the foothills of the Himalayas has made controlling the moisture level in the pitch a crucial factor for the fifth and final Test against England. Fast bowlers will get assistance if there is more moisture, something the ground staff are keeping an eye on as the plan is to roll out a pitch that will go the distance.
It is understood that despite there being a nine-gap between the fourth and fifth Test, the pitch preparations for Dharamsala began almost a week before. The Indian Express understands that the current climatic situation prevailing in the region made the BCCI and the HPCA to start work early.
Although the overhead conditions and weather could make England a lot more at home than India, the 22 yards will be more to the liking of the hosts, said a source.
“It all depends on moisture levels. If it is on the higher side, it would aid the seamers. And since the natural conditions would definitely bring more moisture, one needs to start the preparations early. Instead of starting it 10 days before the Test, the work began 15-20 days in advance. It will also give everyone a fair picture of how the pitch behaves and the ground staff can prepare accordingly. There could be movement because of overhead conditions, but there won’t be seam movement off the pitch,” sources in the know told The Indian Express.
Traditional slow pitches
So far in this series, India have preferred to play on traditional slow pitches, which has offered turn as the Test progresses. However, India were unhappy with the conditions at Ranchi, where the ball began to keep low from Day 2, making it all the more challenging on the final day.
Even though India have already sealed the series, a win here is essential as it would place them better in the WTC points percentage. At present India are in the second spot and have three more series – Bangladesh, New Zealand and Australia – coming up after this.
So despite sealing a series win, India are keen on a 4-1 scoreline and are not willing to take any chances with the pitch.
The weather is a major factor. As per the forecast, in the lead up to the Test, the city’s day time temperatures are expected to touch only 15 degree Celsius, with the night temperatures around 7 degree Celsius. With forecasts of rain also in store – especially during the match-days.
It is understood that despite the weather, the only chance of Dharamsala having a green track for the Test is if something goes wrong during the pitch preparations.
And according to those in the know, since the pitch is also made of black soil content, making a slow surface will not be an issue. But the amount of moisture the pitch retains will be key.
At Hyderabad and Vizag, with Tests being played towards the end of winter, because of the dew and fog, there was good moisture content in the first session. And with the afternoon sun being harsh, on India’s request, the ground staff used only the sack cloth instead of tarpaulin to cover the pitch so that the moisture evaporates and to prevent sweating.
At Dharamsala, with the moisture likely to last longer because of the low temperature levels, extra attention is being given to the amount of watering. If it is on the higher side, then the ground staff would stop watering it as they don’t need to worry about the pitch breaking apart according to the reports published in indianexpress.com .
“Since it is going to remain cold, one need not worry about it crumbling under the sun and the cracks opening up. For all you know, in the lead up to the Test, if the temperatures remain the same (13-15 degree C) then the ground staff can also let the pitch bake under the sun and let the moisture levels decrease,” the official said.
