More to do with shots than pitch, says Kanpur curator

KANPUR: “It’s a typical Kanpur pitch, low and bouncy,” was India coach Anil Kumble’s observation on seeing the Green Park track on Tuesday. He even said the wicket

KANPUR: “It’s a typical Kanpur pitch, low and bouncy,” was India coach Anil Kumble’s observation on seeing the Green Park track on Tuesday. He even said the wicket would help the spinners.

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On Wednesday curator Shiv Kumar and his men checked the bounce before handing over the pitch to match referee David Boon. After local bowlers checked the turn and bounce of the main wicket, Kumar had a satisfied look as no delivery dipped or zipped through. “If you don’t risk your shot, you won’t lose your wicket. One has to apply himself as there will be equal opportunities for bowlers and batsmen,” Shiv Kumar had said. This seemed true on Thursday when Virat Kohli misjudged his pull shot and paid the price after scoring just nine.

There were puffs of dust from the start, but the pitch didn’t develop cracks. Neither was there sharp movement off the air, and nor did the ball drift dramatically. Minutes before the end of play, a low one from Mitchell Santner foxed Ravindra Jadeja, and he just about managed to keep it out.

“It’s a difficult wicket to bat on as it’s on the slower side,” said Murali Vijay.” It’s going to be difficult for them also. We have quality spinners like Ashwin and Jadeja and this surface will help them in getting wickets. It’s a good total to defend,” said the opener, who struck his second half-century in three months after scoring the first one in a Duleep Trophy game earlier this month.

The pitch also left Kumble concerned, especially as India have chosen to play six batsmen and two spinners on a wicket which is known to be a rank turner. Before the pitch was covered, Kumble had a close look at both ends and held a brief discussion with the curator. He appeared to have spotted cracks and footmarks on the wicket.

Young left-arm spinner Santner got purchase from the wicket, and accepted he had high hopes. “I knew there was something for me in this pitch so I kept hitting the right spot,” he said after finishing with three for 77.

Santner’s first wicket was a treat to watch as he was a little quicker through the air and moved it away from KL Rahul. The opener tried to play in a hurry and wicketkeeper BJ Watling pulled off a splendid catch.

Kumar defended the pitch. “The bounce and pace was good... It will improve as the weather got better in the second half of the day.”