Unpredictability in the drop-in pitch creates risk for injuries and jeopardizes low-scoring games in New York, casting doubt on the India-Pakistan blockbuster. The surface is uneven, and the 10:30 am starts have made the white ball move around a lot. As a result, batting now appears to be quite difficult.
Despite the excitement around the arrival of cricket in America, uncertainty seems to be lingering about the pitch, which is the most important aspect of the game. Teams have been bowled out for fewer than 100 in two consecutive games at the Nassau International Cricket Ground in New York, which will host the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match on Sunday. The chases have also not been simple.
After Sri Lanka was bowled for 77, it took 16.4 overs for South Africa to cross the boundary. On Wednesday, the Indian top order found it difficult to chase 97 against Ireland. Before India opened their account, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant also had to battle, much like the Irish looked like fish out of water when they batted.
“Yes, it’s important toss, and luckily we won it today (against Ireland). We were able to exert control of the game, according to batting coach Vikram Rathour. However, the conversation quickly turned to the India-Pakistan game, and Rathour simply said, “Whatever we can get,” when asked what a par score would be if he batted first.
Harbhajan Singh, the former spinner for India, who is commentating today, too sounded worried. “What’s concerning is that while one delivery is increasing, the other is somewhat down. On a track like this, anything can happen,” Harbhajan stated to TOI.
Skipper Rohit was the only one who had to fight fire with fire. He held on to score 52 after a rocky start until a ball came up and struck his shoulder. The skipper stated later that “it’s just a little sore” and that his participation in the Pakistan match should not be a cause for concern. Nevertheless, he retired injured.
“The arm is only somewhat painful. Not sure what to anticipate from the pitch. I have no idea what it’s like to play on a surface that’s only five months old,” Rohit said. Even when we batted second, I don’t believe the wicket calmed down. Enough was available for the bowlers.”
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