In recently concluded test match between India and England at newly inaugurated Narendra Modi Stadium worlds largest cricket stadium the way bowlers have dominated and the match was ended within 5 sessions, have raised the voices that home teams can prepare the pitches for their advantage and thus violate the rules of fair play. The pitch in controversy lasted for 2 days only and the such was the impact that no team was able to cross 200 run mark and even a part timer like Joe Root was able to take a fiver.

What makes this series and its outcome more important to the world is, the winner will face Newzealand in the final of World Test Championship, to be played at Lords the same venue that hosted the 50 overs World Cup final last year. Current standings of the points table suggests that India, England and Australia are in race for the final. England fans and supporters are hoping for one more final against the newzealand at the home soil but to reach there they have humongous task ahead. Winning in subcontinent is always been a dream for any visiting team. In home conditions team India is almost unbeatable and when they have the crowd support behind them along the pitches favoring they become deadlier.

Coming bac to the pitch that was prepared for the third test between India and England garnered a lot of attentions from former cricketers and experts. A pool of current and former English players have raised their concerns about the pitches offered for the ongoing series. If the pitch straightaway starts helping the spinners (in this case it was misbehaving) from the ball one, it requires some serious attention from ICC.

Though this is not for the first time that any home team is preparing the pitches as per their strengths. Any home team would try to prepare the pitches which suits their style of play or is difficult for the opponents. When team India visits any country they also face situations which are not familiar to them. World knows that fast, bouncy and swinging condition are a weakness for Indian batting lineup and oppositions always try to exploit it by offering supporting pitches. If SENA countries can prepare wickets which suits their style of play, why can’t team India prepare pitches which favors them.

With this pitch controversy once again the same old debate has started that should test matches be played at neutral venues to counter the home conditions. That will not only eliminate the home conditions advantage but will also give rise to the popularity of cricket at non-cricket playing places. Teams may not find the same level of audience support at neutral venues initially but with time it will become popular too if the quality of cricket is there. We should not forget that initially 50 overs cricket was also not very popular but with time it has gathered a lot of attention even when the matches are played at neutral venues.

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What time holds we don’t know but one thing is very clear that Newzealand will be waiting once again to play the finals at Lords and this time they will not let the chance go from their hands to lift the most prestigious title of the cricket.

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