The International Cricket Council (ICC) has acknowledged that the pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York haven’t been up to the mark and efforts will be made to improve things for the remaining matches at the T20 World Cup.
“T20 Inc and the ICC recognise that the pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium have not played as consistently as we would have all wanted,” the ICC said in a statement. That the world body would closely “monitor” the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium pitches ahead of the India-Pakistan game was reported by RevSportz on Thursday.
“The world-class grounds team have been working hard since the conclusion of yesterday’s game to remedy the situation and deliver the best possible surfaces for the remaining matches,” added the ICC statement.
The pitch that was used for the India versus Ireland game on Wednesday copped flak from several quarters. Andy Flower, the former Zimbabwe captain and the current Royal Challengers Bengaluru head coach, even termed it as “bordering on dangerous”.
“I have got to say that is not a good surface to play an international match,” Flower said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut. “It’s bordering on dangerous. We saw the ball bouncing from a length both ways. Skidding low occasionally, but in the main, bouncing unusually high and striking people on the thumb, on the gloves, on the helmet, and making life very difficult for any batsman.”
Batting first, Ireland were bowled out for 96 in 16 overs, failing to cope with the up-and-down nature of the surface and exaggerated lateral movement. A few days ago, Sri Lanka were bundled out for 77 against South Africa at this venue.
Indian batsmen, too, faced problems on the pitch, with Rishabh Pant taking a knock on the left elbow, when a length ball from Josh Little rose awkwardly. India will face Pakistan in the showpiece fixture of the tournament on Sunday.