Andy Atkinson backs MS Dhoni’s ‘sporting’ theory

There is always hue and cry over the nature of pitches in India ahead of any important Test series. The curators are instructed by the board to prepare the kind of wicket which favours the home team.

Recently, skipper MS Dhoni felt too much of emphasis was being given on creating sporting wickets with grass and bounce. According to him, a sporting wicket is the one which favours the bowlers and batsman at the same time.

ICC’s pitch consultant Andy Atkinson, in Mumbai on Tuesday to have a look at the Wankhede Stadium’s renovation, agreed with Dhoni’s views.

“I am not saying the pitch should be green in order to be sporting. I agree with what Dhoni said the other day that a pitch is sporting as long as it is safe and doesn’t disintegrate, has decent bounce and produces results,” Atkinson said.

“Look at the last match at the CCI. It was one of the best Test wickets as it helped bowlers and also the batsmen and also had a result. We had some decent pitches in Bangladesh. In Asia there are some good wickets, which has given results unlike before,” Atkinson added.

Atkinson said he was happy with the progress of the under-renovation Wankhede Stadium ahead of next year’s World Cup. “I have come here to look at the progress of the stadium. I had a chat with the designers and the in-charge (Sudhir Naik). I am fairly happy with the progress. It is going to be a challenge as a lot needs to be done, but I am satisfied. Once the construction is over and work on the ground can start in March then work on the pitch will also begin. By September the whole field and pitch will be completed and in November they will have to play at least two matches on both the wickets to test it. We are looking to have a good batting wicket with good bounce and carry to the wicketkeeper.”