WTC final: ICC’s backup pitch ready, security on high alert ahead of India vs Australia title clash

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is making all efforts to successfully host the World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia at The Oval in London. The WTC final will begin on Wednesday amid threats of possible disruption from ‘Just Stop Oil’ activists.

According to a report on ESPNcricinfo website, the ICC is keeping a back-up pitch ready for the WTC final as the game is affected by these activists. ‘Just Stop Oil’ activists are raising awareness of climate change at sporting events across America. English Premier League football, the World Snooker Championship and premier rugby union matches have all been affected.

Ajinkya Rahane’s experience and calm head will be a huge asset for India as they look to win the World Test Championship_

More _ https://t.co/35ELAOW56E#WTC23 , #Australia pic.twitter.com/pL4WDWdynP– ICC (@ICC) June 6, 2023

Last week, the England men’s cricket team bus, which was traveling to Lord’s for the one-off Test against Ireland, was briefly halted on the first morning after it was blocked by activists. On Monday morning, the Australia team bus was similarly delayed and stuck in traffic due to a ‘Just Stop Oil’ protest as they headed to The Oval for training.

“The ICC has updated its playing conditions for the WTC final with a clause accounting for the use of another pitch if the one in use is damaged, or deemed dangerous. Under playing conditions the initial step is to see if the existing pitch can be repaired and the match can be resumed from the point where the surface was stopped without affecting any of the teams,” the report said. stated in.

“If the original pitch cannot be repaired then the new pitch will come in handy. Only if it is not possible to resume the match on that second pitch then the match will be called off and no result will be considered,” the report said.

Oval pitch will be bouncy: Head groundsman Lee Fortis

The Oval’s chief groundsman Lee Fortis has promised a bouncy pitch for the World Test Championship final between India and Australia. The pitch has traditionally given decent bounce and is good for batting, but there is some uncertainty about its behavior as the WTC final will be the first Test here in June.

On the eve of the game, the pitch assumed a green appearance but the grass could be cut earlier in the day. Cloudy conditions are likely to be more favorable for Australia, while India would prefer bright sunshine on all five days.

“It will be a good oval pitch. It will be bouncy, that’s one thing. It will be bouncy. Let’s hope (it doesn’t rain). English summer for a change,” Fortis told India spinner R Ashwin on the latter’s YouTube channel. told.

Ashwin is someone who has played county cricket at The Oval, home of Surrey. India have lost five, drawn seven and won only two of the 14 Test matches played at this venue. India are contemplating whether to field both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja or have a fourth pace bowling option in the high-stakes game.

(With PTI inputs)