KOLKATA: With three matches scheduled over five days this week, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has kept four pitches ready for the T20 International series between India and West Indies at the Eden Gardens here.
However, the plan is to actually hold the matches on two pitches. "We have selected two pitches for the matches to be played alternatively. But have also earmarked two more tracks in case there is bigger wear and tear," a ground staff said. "While two pitches are match-fit now, the stand-by ones can be made ready within a short notice with some final touches only," he added.
The ground staff are facing the bigger challenge to keep the dew at bay which played a big role in the three-match One-day series in Ahmedabad. However, it will not play such a huge role here as the whole match will be staged under lights. "Dew plays a crucial role in day-night encounters where the conditions change drastically once the sun sets. But here both sides will bat after sunset and hence the teams will get a better idea of the dew factor before going for the toss," he pointed out.
But still dew will have its impact more than that during the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches which also start almost at the same time. "The IPL games are held in April-May when the summer sets in. But now with the retreating winter, there is quite a big difference in day and night temperature which is ideal for dew formation," the ground staff pointed out. They thus have to depend much on daily weather forecasts and experience to prepare a track ideal for a T20 match.
"Watering the wicket is important now. If we expect dew and keep the wicket dry, it will crack if that forecast doesn't come true. At the same time dew on a well-watered track will make it sticky where the ball will not come on to the bat resulting in low-scoring matches," he pointed out.
If the groundsmen can maintain this balance well, Eden Gardens will prove to be batters' paradise. "The pitch will have good carry and bounce with the pacers getting some help initially," he added. However, it's unlikely to be a purchase for the spinners and they will have work on the bounce mainly.
No spectators
The BCCI has still now allowed the CAB to allow spectators in the T20I matches. Hence it will be a closed-door affair for Wednesday's opening match of the series. However, the CAB is keeping its fingers crossed requesting the board to reconsider crowd presence for the last two games of the series.
