Atkinson set to decide Kotla’s fate

ICC's pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson, is set to decide the fate of the wicket at the Ferozeshah Kotla. The veteran official is expected to file a report to the ICC on Sunday and his recommendations will decide the fate of the two World Cup matches scheduled here early next year.

ICC's pitch consultant, Andy Atkinson, is set to decide the fate of the wicket at the Ferozeshah Kotla. The veteran official is expected to file a report to the ICC on Sunday and his recommendations will decide the fate of the two World Cup matches scheduled here early next year.

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Though he refused to divulge the details, Atkinson said he was happy with the progress. "I saw the four-day Ranji match and have noticed that there are hardly any signs of a breakup. It is a good sign but I cannot tell you my findings for obvious reasons," he told HT on Saturday.

While Delhi coach, Manoj Prabhakar, was perturbed at the uneven bounce and two-paced nature at Kotla, especially after they failed to bowl out Gujarat, Atkinson said it was normal.

"The ball will bounce on the grass cover and will tend to stay low otherwise. The challenge for any pitch is to make it conducive for both the batsman and bowlers," he said, even as he hinted at a green signal for the pitch.