Indore: The pitch of the third Test match played between India and Australia in Indore was put in the category of ‘poor’ pitches by the International Cricket Council (ICC). After this, the BCCI appealed against this decision on 14 March. Now the ICC has changed the rating of the pitch on the appeal of BCCI and has given a new verdict. The ICC has changed the pitch rating of Holkar Stadium in Indore from ‘poor’ to ‘below average’.
The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia was over in Indore within three days. The pitch at Indore was rated poor under the ICC pitch and outfield monitoring process. The spinners of both the teams were benefited a lot by the spin-friendly surface right from the start of the first day. On the first day, 13 out of 14 wickets were taken by the spinners.
Of the 31 wickets that fell during the entire match, 26 were taken by the spinners, while only four went to the fast bowlers. A batsman was run out. In this Test, Australia defeated India under the captaincy of Steve Smith. With this victory, Australia qualified for the final of the World Test Championship. However, Team India won the four-match Test series 2-1. The last Test played in Ahmedabad was a draw.
ICC rates pitches on these five grounds –
Very good
Good
Average
Below Average
Poor
Unfit
Holkar Stadium was given three demerit points by the ICC. The council took this decision after submitting a report to match referee Chris Broad about the pitch and talking to Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Australian captain Steve Smith. After this, the BCCI appealed against the decision of the ICC. ICC’s two-member panel has changed the rating of the pitch after examining the matter and reviewing the decision. Now, due to change in rating, demerit points have also decreased. Instead of three demerit points, now the pitch has got only one demerit point.
