Even as the Indians looks forward to record its first series win in England in 16-years, they will have to deal with a bouncy pitch at the Oval.
LONDON: Even as the Indians looks forward to record its first series win in England in 16-years, they will have to deal with a bouncy pitch at the Oval, the venue of the third and final Test starting on Thursday.
India are sitting pretty on a 1-0 lead, following their victory in the second Test at Trent Bridge, while England are facing the pressure of having to win the final Test to save its fine unbeaten record at home since 2001.
"This wicket should have good pace and bounce," opined Bill Gordon, the 62-year old groundsman at the Oval.
"This will be a good batting wicket with consistent bounce. You can't play your strokes on a slow pitch."
When the Indians last played in London, in the first Test of the series at Lord's, they had problems dealing with the extra swing that Ryan Sidebottom and James Anderson could get.
However, with the late summer finally making people sweat in London, Gordon reckons that pace, not swing, will be the buzzword at the Oval.
"It doesn't swing here normally. And there would be no lateral movement either. I would be very surprised if Sidebottom or Anderson make the ball swing."
On a more positive note, the groundsman reckoned that the pitch might encourage spinners on the last two days.
"Yeah, the spinners will come into play on the last two days. There will be some turn and consistent bounce for the slow bowlers. It should be a sporting pitch with something for everyone."
Finally, asked what would be the par score on the Oval wicket, Gordon said, "Anything around 400 is very much on cards on this pitch."
England won the last Test they played here after Pakistan forfeited the match on the fourth day.
India have played nine Tests at the venue, having won one, lost two and drawn six of them.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}