(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] In a latest development, it has been revealed that the ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson has conducted a pitch inspection on Saturday before the crucial final game of the ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, 19th November.
Atkinson previously accused the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of swapping the pitch for the semi-final between India and New Zealand. Allegations were made that the BCCI changed the pitch from a fresh track to a used one, ultimately benefiting the host team in reaching the final.
Contrary to earlier reports suggesting Atkinson had left India before the final match, he has, in fact, stayed back. An ICC source revealed to PTI, “Andy hasn’t gone back home. He has come with ICC delegation today afternoon and hence didn’t come to the ground. He will be available tomorrow to check on the preparation of the track.”
Additionally, on Friday, two senior BCCI chief curators, Ashish Bhowmick and Taposh Chatterjee, along with BCCI’s GM (Domestic Cricket) Abbey Kuruvilla, inspected the pitch and overviewed Ahmedabad’s black soil playing surface, where the high-stakes match will unfold between the two formidable teams.
Reports suggest that the pitch will be on the slower side, consistent with the surface used during the India-Pakistan clash earlier in the tournament.