Level-playing field at Motera: Venkat

The newly appointed Indian cricket board’s pitch committee chairman Venkat Sundaram on Saturday ruled out a tit-for-tat approach to the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand.

New Zealand had thrashed India in their home Test series just before this year’s World Cup on what were widely believed to be doctored pitches. And Sundaram, speaking after inspecting the Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera, on Saturday morning, where the first Test is to be held early in October, said India wanted to beat them fair and square. ‘‘We are looking for revenge, but on good wickets. They gave us under-prepared wickets, but they did not earn any credit for it anywhere, and later we did beat them on a good wicket in the World Cup, so there is no question of seeking that kind of revenge,’’ he said.

Sundaram appeared to be happy with the Motera wicket and the preparations underway. ‘‘The wicket is a good one and because of the rain the outfield has also become excellent. I will also most likely come down to watch the match,’’ he said.

Praising the facilities at the Motera ground, Sundaram said he had not seen separate practice wickets for juniors and seniors anywhere in the country.