Indian curators up to their old tricks again! Photo shows the third Test pitch looking clear green: ‘A 10-year-old could prepare as**t a lot like this’
Images have emerged from Indore of another patchwork being prepared by Indian caretakers ahead of the third Test in Australia.
AAP reporter Oliver Caffrey shared the first images of the Indore pitch with the caption ‘look at all that grass in Indore’.
The middle of the pitch is a tempting green, but Australian pace bowlers hoping to get something out of the wicket will be disappointed because both ends of the pitch are as barren and dry as the Simpson Desert.
It’s going to be another huge turner.
Making matters worse, there is footage of barefoot workers using the heavy roller to break up the turf spots, ensuring there will be little left for the pace bowlers when play begins on Wednesday.
An overhead shot shows the green patch in the middle, the dry ends and a group of Indian rangers working the field
The green patch in the middle gets a heavy workout from the roller
Cricket fans were blunted by the patchwork pitch designed purely to help the Indian bowlers.
So India doesn’t really have reasons why it’s technically not a cricket ground?? A 10 year old could whip up a bunch like this,” one fan posted.
“Wait 48 hours and the grass will turn red,” posted another.
“India 3-0 loading,” added another.
While the grassy middle could tempt the Aussies to field more pace bowlers, options are limited with skipper Pat Cummins returning home to Australia to be with his ailing mother, while Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out through injury.
In a boost for the Aussies, all-rounder Cameron Green and spearhead Mitchell Starc are set to return from finger injuries and could be the pace options to roll out in Indore.
There will be a level of discomfort for a while, I don’t think it will be 100 per cent for a while,” Starc said in Indore on Monday.
“But the ball is coming out really nice and I feel like I’m almost at full tilt.
“It wouldn’t be the first test match I’ve played with some discomfort.
“If I only played when I was 100 per cent, I would have only played five or 10 Tests.
“I’m happy with where it’s at and I’ve built up enough of a pain threshold to deal with these things over the last 10 or 12 years.”
Starc returns to bowling to boost Aussies and is set to replace Pat Cummins in Aussie attack
Footage has also emerged of Starc taking the reverse swing to the nets in Indore and he is confident that the body is ready.
“I had 10 days off when I first got the injury and have been bowling ever since,” Starc said.
“In a workload, physically, no worries, I’m comfortable and happy with where my numbers are, where my body is preparing for this series.
“Really happy with where everything is, now it’s just a skill run I’ve had a break from race time.”
The Aussies are taking no chances ahead of the third Test, bringing in Indian Cricview Academy spinner Sahil Tyagi to bat in the nets.
Tyagi is an emerging Indian talent and has spent hours bowling against Australia’s top order, including Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.