Kotla pitch may be a slow turner

The Kotla pitch, which attracted attention following the pitch digging by the Shiv Sainiks, is in perfect condition with a lush green outfield. According to curator Radhey Shyam Sharma, the pitch was expected to be a `slow turner’ but with full of runs.

There is hardly any grass left on the pitch and it is expected to become a little more harder by the time the Test starts on Thursday, than what it looks like now. Experts also predict that the thin cracks on the surface might lead to low bounce.

Meanwhile, former India captain and BCCI pitch committee chairman, Kapil Dev, inspected the track today accompanied by Madan Lal, former India coach and now a selection committee member. Kapil, however, refused to comment on the condition of the pitch and said: “My job is to see whether the conditions prevailing are good enough for a Test match.”

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit also paid a visit to the Kotla to gain first-hand knowledge of the preparations, besides checking on the security aspect. She later chaired an organising committee meeting at the Kotla, which was attended, among others by former India opener Chetan Chauhan. “Police are keeping a close watch and whatever minor hiccups are there will be sorted out,” said the Chief Minister, after being told of the steps taken by the authorities to ensure an incident-free Test.