IND vs AUS third Test shifted from HPCA Stadium Dharamshala – Reports
Dharamshala Stadium HPCA (Image Credit: Twitter)
The third Test of ongoing India vs Australia four-match Test series has been shifted from Dharamshala. A top Indian Cricket Board official confirmed to Indian Express on Sunday.
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association(HPCA) had relaid the entire outfield, including the pitch. Though the pitch is untested, it is not a major concern, an official told the publication on February 10. The ‘small patch near the square’ is yet to be completed and that is the cause of worry.
The HPCA stadium, one of the most scenic venues in world cricket, hosted only one Test in 2017 involving India and Australia. Notably, the venue also hosted ODIs and T20Is over the years. The state cricket association made plans to relay the entire outfield keeping the local weather conditions in mind. The relaying work started post-monsoon last year.
Usually, when the pitch and the outfield are relaid, the common practice is to test it during a match. But so far that hasn’t happened, the official said. Right through the Ranji Trophy season, Himachal played their home matches at Nadaun as the work continued at Dharamshala.
“There is still some work that needs to be done near the side area of the pitch. We are hopeful that things will be ready before the game. The HPCA will take a call after the Indian Cricket Board inspection. We have relaid the whole surface with proper drainage and have added sprinklers to the ground. Some work is still pending and as three weeks are left we feel the work will be completed,” a source in HPCA had said to Indian Express on Friday.
Ravindra Jadeja was awarded ‘Player of the Match for his all-round performance
Talking about the first game of the series, India registered a comprehensive victory over the Aussies by an inning and 132 runs in Nagpur. Spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja picked up eight and seven wickets respectively to help India go 1-0 up in the series. Jadeja was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his 70-run knock and for picking up seven wickets with the ball.
Captain Rohit Sharma scored a magnificent hundred while Axar Patel also scored 84 to help India get a lead of 223 runs in the first innings. In reply, Australia was bundled out for 91 in the third innings as Ashwin ended up picking a five-wicket haul.
The second Test between the two sides will begin on 17th February at Arun Jaitely Stadium, Delhi.
