India cricketers at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. (Getty Images)
KOLKATA: The Eden Gardens pitch has always been praised during the IPL. Wednesday’s T20I match between India and England, however, is happening at a different time of the year. While the spectators will prefer the chill in the air over the summer heat, the ground staff is having a nightmare keep the dew under check.
It will not be a fresh wicket as several age-group matches have taken place at this venue during the ongoing domestic season. But the ground staff under the guidance of curator Sujan Mukherjee, has worked hard to prepare a sporting track for this match.
The wicket will have some grass and bounce for the pacers, but with heavy dew setting in after sunset for the past few days, it will be a challenge for the bowlers to control the wet ball. As the dew is setting in early, it is expected that both the sides will be equally affected by the conditions.
This, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav feels, will neutralise the advantage of winning the toss. “The conditions will be the same for both the teams,” he said in the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
“Last evening, there was quite a bit of dew by seven o’clock when the game will start,” England skipper Jos Buttler stated on match-eve. “I’m sure they’ll (ground staff) probably spray the outfield, which can have an effect. But yeah, I think it’s just important to be aware of that and how that will affect the ball,” the skipper added.
Accordingly, the teams have practised with the wet ball too.
“I think in all facets as well, you need to practice sometimes with a wet ball as a bowler and certainly as fielders as well. The batters should also take into account how that may affect your plans,” Buttler added.
“You start preparing with the wet ball,” Surya stated.
The ground staff is keeping the wicket mostly under covers and has worked hard to keep the moisture under control.
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