India hosted Bangladesh and New Zealand in their home season. While Bangladesh competed in two Tests, New Zealand played three red-ball games. However, only one of the five pitches has got a ‘very good’ rating by the International Cricket Council. The apex body of announced the pitch ratings for the recent matches. The outfield of the second and final Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur received an ‘unsatisfactory’ rating.
The matches against Bangladesh were played in Chennai and Kanpur. On the other hand, Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai hosted New Zealand matches.
The outfield at the Green Park Stadium didn’t pass the test of the ICC match referee Jeff Crowe. The drainage facilities were not upto mark and two days were washed out due to wet outfield and rain. India still managed to win the contest.
None of the three surfaces used for the New Zealand Test series didn’t get beyond a ‘satisfactory’ rating. Former Australia cricketer David Boon, who was the match referee for matches against New Zealand, rated the pitches.
New Zealand defeated India by 8 wickets in the opening game, while the margin of victory was 113 runs in the second contest. The visitors thumped India by 25 runs in the final Test.
Pitch ratings for India’s home season
India vs Bangladesh, 1st Test in Chennai – Pitch: Very Good, Outfield: Very Good
India vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test in Kanpur – Pitch: Satisfactory, Outfield: Unsatisfactory
India vs New Zealand, 1st Test in Bengaluru – Pitch: Satisfactory, Outfield: Very Good
India vs New Zealand, 2nd Test in Pune – Pitch: Satisfactory, Outfield: Satisfactory
India vs New Zealand, 3rd test in Mumbai – Pitch: Satisfactory, Outfield: Very Good