Indore track receives three demerit points: What are the repercussions?
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has declared the Indore pitch, which hosted the recently-concluded third Test between India and Australia, as 'poor.' The Holkar Stadium in Indore has hence received three demerit points. Notably, the track received massive criticism as the contest got concluded in the morning session of Day 3. The Aussies walked away with a nine-wicket triumph. Here are further details.
Why does this story matter?
The nature of pitches has been a talking point in the ongoing series. The first three Tests ended within three days as the spinners got assistance from the very first day. Adding to the spin-friendly conditions, the Indore track also had uneven bounce. Hence, 30 wickets fell in the first two days. 26 of the 31 wickets which fell belonged to spinners.
What are the possible repercussions?
As per the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, a venue will be suspended from hosting any international match for 12 months if it is awarded five or more demerit points over a five-year rolling period. Notably, the decision of reprimanding the Indore track was taken following a conversation between match referee Chris Broad and the two captains -Rohit Sharma and Steve Smith.
What did ICC say?
"The pitch, which was very dry, did not provide a balance between bat and ball, favoring spinners from the start," Chris Broad stated in a statement released by ICC. "The fifth ball of the match broke through the pitch surface and continued to occasionally break the surface providing little or no seam movement and there was excessive and uneven bounce throughout the match."
How did the match pan out?
Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat. Matthew Kuhnemann (5/16) delivered a remarkable spell as the hosts could only manage 109. Australia, in reply, posted 197 thanks to Usman Khawaja's 60-run knock. Nathan Lyon's 8/64 meant India could only manage 163 in their second outing. Chasing 76, the Aussies crossed the line with nine wickets in hand.
Australia secure a WTC final spot
With this win, Australia have officially secured a place in the ICC World Test Championship final. India, who are still leading the series 2-1, must win the fourth Test to qualify for the final without depending upon other results. If India fail to win the final Test, they would be dependent upon the result of the two-Test New Zealand vs Sri Lanka series.
