Mohali pitch will help both batsmen and bowlers, says curator

Mohali (Punjab), Oct 15 (IANS) Daljit Singh should know a thing or two about pitch pitches as he is the chairman of the Indian cricket board's grounds and pitches committee. He feels that the Punjab cricket Stadium pitch for the second Test between India and Australia will have something for both the batsmen and bowlers.

'A curator always wants to prepare an excellent pitch that is friendly to both the batsman and the bowler. That means after a day's play there should be a score of 300 runs on the board with all the 10 wickets down,' Daljit told IANS.

'On the first day there will be maximum moisture in the pitch but as the match progresses the pitch will become harder and provide an ideal and unpredictable bounce. Initially ball will not come fast but it will be helpful for the seamers.

'With each passing day the pitch dries up and becomes suitable for the strokeplay and the ball will carry, so second and third days will be good for the batsmen. With the increased wear and tear, the fourth and fifth day will provide better opportunities for spinners,' he added.

Daljit, who is also the chairman of the Indian cricket board's Grounds and Pitches Committee, hoped that the wicket will produce a result.

'This is the start of the new season with the advent of winters and last matches were played here during summers in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Therefore, we all have to sit and watch but I am hoping for the best results,' he said.

The curator also said that due to heavy monsoon there was lot of moisture in the track and his men have tried their best to dry the pitch.

'We have tried our best to dry the pitches and have done pre-season rolling of two-three hours everyday in the last 14-15 days,' he said.