The Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati is buzzing with anticipation as preparations ramp up for the second Test match. Observations on the pitch indicate it still carries a significant green tinge, although it remains uncertain how much of this grass will be removed as match day approaches. Notably, Indian opener Shubman Gill is expected to skip the Thursday practice session following a neck injury he sustained during the first Test in Kolkata. There is speculation that he might return for training on Friday, but he has been under the care of the medical team since the injury forced him to retire hurt during India’s first innings.
The pitch at Barsapara, constructed with red soil, is designed to provide additional bounce and carry, potentially favoring fast bowlers. This matchup will mark the inaugural Test hosted at this venue, which is under the guidance of BCCI chief curator Ashish Bhowmick. Given the mixed reviews of the pitch in Kolkata, which was criticized for its unpredictable bounce, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is eager to create a reliable playing surface that will not tarnish the venue’s reputation in its first match.
A BCCI official has explained their goal for the pitch: to achieve spin with consistent pace and bounce, avoiding the erratic conditions witnessed in the previous match. The team management had expressed its preferences for the playing surface ahead of the home season, and curators are diligently working to meet these standards. With BCCI secretary Davjit Saikia hailing from Guwahati, the meticulous preparation of the pitch has taken on added significance as India aims to level the series after a disappointing defeat in Kolkata. The next few days will be critical, with close monitoring of the grass cover, moisture levels, and rolling pattern leading up to the Test match.