IND vs PAK: "It is bordering on dangerous" - Andy Flower expresses concern on New York pitch as ICC set to take big action
Published - 08 Jun 2024, 03:24 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:13 AM
Former England coach Andy Flower has voiced concerns about the pitches at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York for the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Andy Flower stated that the pitches in New York are "bordering on dangerous" and not suitable for international matches.
The outfield and pitch in New York faced criticism following low-scoring matches in the marquee T20 tournament. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 77 runs in 19.1 overs against South Africa on June 3. South Africa chased the target in 16.2 overs. Batters from Sri Lanka and South Africa struggled to score on the challenging surface.
Ireland managed to score 96 runs in 16 overs against India in the second match at the venue. India successfully chased the target in 12.2 overs with eight wickets in hand. India captain Rohit Sharma retired hurt due to an injury after scoring fifty. Rishabh Pant and Harry Tector also suffered body blows during the game.
Not A Good Surface To Play An International Match On - Andy Flower
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Andy Flower noted that the ball behaved unpredictably, sometimes skidding low and other times bouncing unusually high. Flower added that the pitch made it very difficult for batters in the ongoing tournament.
"I have got to say that is not a good surface to play an international match on. It is bordering on dangerous. You saw the ball bouncing from a length both ways, skidding low occasionally, but in the main, it was bouncing unusually high and striking people on the thumb, on the gloves, and on the helmet, making life very difficult for any batsman. It proved very, very tricky batting conditions for any side, let alone a smaller, cricketing nation like Ireland taking on the giants of India," said Flower, as quoted by Wisden.
The Nassau County Stadium is hosting eight matches in the tournament, including three matches featuring India. The drop-in pitches were prepared in Adelaide, Australia, before being moved to New York. The Indian team will face Pakistan in their next match at the venue in New York on Sunday, June 9.
Something Wrong With The Pace Of The Surface - Sanjay Manjrekar
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar stated that the preparation might have gone wrong, leading to unpredictable behavior. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that there was something wrong with the pace of the surface.
"Either the pitch has been under-prepared or something that is beyond their control. But I said that a couple of days ago as well, What can they do to make the pitch better? I am sure it is not a lack of effort. At the most, what they can do is keep rolling that drop-in pitch. But they have a problem on their hands. Inherently there is something wrong with the pace of the surface," Manjrekar said.
A report in The Times London revealed that organizers took desperate measures to avoid relocating the India-Pakistan game from New York, despite the uneven bounce caused by grassy veins in the pitch. They used a roller to level the pitch, pushing back the grass veins to flatten the surface.
