Sudhir Naik to prepare pitch for Sachin's 200th Test

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has appointed Sudhir Naik curator of the Wankhede Stadium. That means the former India opener will oversee the preparation of the pitch for Sachin Tendulkar’s 200th Test. Naik was in charge of the 22-yard strip for the second Test between India and England last year. India had lost that game by some distance.

In other news, the MCA has decided to come out with a commemorative postal stamp with Tendulkar’s photo before the start of the November 14-18 Test. This will be followed by a presentation to be made jointly by the BCCI and MCA.

There will also be a 64-page brochure comprising articles and comments from individuals from all spheres of life. The MCA will also distribute 10,000 masks, 10,000 scorecards and 10,000 caps — each bearing Tendulkar’s photograph — on all five days. A special coin will be used for the toss and the same will be preserved by the MCA. Limited-edition brochures and coins will be distributed to the MCA and BCCI members.