What will probably be ICC pitch advisor Andy Atkinson’s future was a query floating round because the burly New Zealander was nowhere to be seen throughout pitch preparation 48 hours forward of the World Cup closing between India and Australia.
It is learnt that Atkinson had already left the nation as his task is already over. (Rohit Sharma Inspects Pitch At Narendra Modi Stadium’s Pitch At Ahmedabad Ahead Of Big Final, Photo Goes Viral)
“Andy’s assignment is over and he has gone back. Don’t try to find controversy where there is none. Nowhere it is written that ICC’s pitch consultant need to be present before final,” a BCCI supply informed PTI on circumstances of anonymity.
Atkinson precisely is not a favorite with BCCI brass after accusing the host nation of fixing monitor for the semifinal between India and New Zealand from a recent to a used one.
However, the ICC later despatched a clarification that there is no such thing as a such rule of holding knock-out matches on a recent monitor and Atkinson was apprised of the event prematurely. (Indian Fans React As Umpire Richard Kettleborough Set To Officiate In India Vs Australia Final Of Cricket World Cup 2023, Here’s Why They Are Unhappy)
On November 17, the 2 senior BCCI’s chief of floor employees Ashish Bhowmick and his second in command Taposh Chatterjee, together with former India seamer and BCCI’s GM (Domestic Cricket) Abbey Kuruvilla, intently monitored the pitch preparations for the mega closing on November 19.
It could not be confirmed if the monitor used for the ultimate is a used one or recent floor however the two senior curators and BCCI GM monitored using heavy curler on the designated 22-yard strip. “If heavy roller is being used on a black soil strip then the idea is to create a slow batting track where you can get a big score but you possibly can’t consistently hit through the line. 315 could be a defendable score as batting second will be difficult,” a state affiliation curator defined.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma together with first staff regulars KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja had an intensive internet session, with reserve gamers Ishan Kishan, Ravichandran Ashwin and Prasidh Krishna for firm.
As it has been the customized, Rohit and Dravid spent a substantial period of time trying on the monitor and in addition had in depth discussions with Bhowmick and Chatterjee.
