Xtra Time Web Desk: The Indian team management does not seem too satisfied with the wicket for the first test match against Australia starting from Thursday, February 9, 2023. Team India captain Rohit Sharma and Head Coach Rahul Dravid was seen having a long discussion with BCCI Chief Curator Taposh Chatterjee at the start of practice session on Tuesday. Team India batter Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also examined the 22 yards.
It is learnt Team India head coach Rahul Dravid is not too happy with the surface on offer in Nagpur for the first test. The Vidarbha Cricket Association groundsmen are working overtime to prepare a wicket according to the wish of the Indian team management.
The incident brought back memories of the India versus Australia test match at the old VCA stadium in Civil Lines back in 2004. Sourav Ganguly, who was the captain of Indian then requested for a turning track but was offered a green track. Ganguly decided not to play in that test match citing personal reasons.
The Australian players were also seen having a close look at the 22 yards before their training session on Tuesday morning. Australian batters David Warner, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja was seen examining the wickets along with captain Pat Cummins and Head Coach Andrew McDonald.
It looks like it will be a rank turner suiting the home side’s requirement. The hosts are likely to play three spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Australia too might play an extra spinner along side Nathan Lyon.
The Indian team have been preparing for spin challenge for the last three days in the short camp here in Nagpur. As many 5 spinners are used as net bowlers during the camp in the likes of Sai Kishore, Washington Sundar, Saurabh Kumar, Pulkit Narang and Jayant Yadav.
Australian team too practiced on scuffed up wickets at Alur so as to prepare well against the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel on turning tracks in the series.
The first test will start from Thursday, February 9.