The pitch of the third Test between India and Australia will not be of the same character as the last two matches in Chennai and Hyderabad, claimed Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) official.
“The wicket at the PCA ground here will not be of the same character (as it was in Chennai and Hyderabad). The pitch here will be good for both the sides. It will not bring out a one sided result as has happened in the first two matches. We would like to have real good cricket here,” said PCA Secretary MP Pandove.
India completely outplayed the visitors in the first two Tests, winning by eight wickets in Chennai and by an innings and 135 runs in Hyderabad.
PCA President I S Bindra said that the groundsmen here have made a “competitive pitch”.
“We have done exactly this (made a competitive pitch) so that spectators also enjoy and players also put in their best,” he said.
Bindra, meanwhile, said since PCA wants more spectators to come for the match, tickets prices have been kept low. “Other centres have also started adopting our policy,” he added.
Pandove further said that for attracting youngsters, the rate of the tickets for the students have been priced as low as `150 for five days.
“The cricket academies in the tri-city — Chandigarh Mohali and Panchkula -- will be given a discount of 25 per cent so that they can accommodate the poor trainees who cannot even afford the cheap tickets,” he added.
The air-conditioned lounge tickets have been priced at `4,000, box seat at `5,000, VIP enclosure `750 and Chair Class `250, Pandove informed, adding that the sale of tickets will commence from Friday.
Hussey has no plans of comeback
Melbourne: Former Australia batsman Michael Hussey has ruled out coming out of international retirement to rescue the national cricket team, which is reeling under two demoralising Test defeats in India.
“Nah, I don’t think so,” Hussey said, brushing aside thoughts of a comeback.
He said it’s important that Australia show faith in the batsmen on tour, rather than sending him an SOS.
“They have picked a squad for this tour so you have got to try and believe and back the guys you have chosen and show faith in them I think that is really important,” Hussey was quoted as saying by the Australian.
“It looks like it has been pretty tough batting on those wickets so I don’t think I would have had too much of a say.
“It has been tough to watch. It looks like it has been tough for the boys over there, no doubt about it,” he added.