Indian cricket team will officially begin their preparations for the Test series starting on 15th August, with a three-day game against a Sri Lanka XI. The match is set to be played at the Nondescripts Cricket Club. According to a special report that was carried on Revsportz’ YouTube channel, the visiting side is not happy with the grass left on the pitch for the game. 

A Francke, who happens to be the Cricket and Grounds Manager for the NCC, made this massive revelation while speaking to Deabsis Sen of Revsportz. It was reported that the visiting side had raised reservations to the home board about the grass left on the surface. Mr. Francke was heard saying, “At the moment we are hosting the Indian national team for a three-day practice game that is set to be played on our ground.”

The official was asked how the Indian cricket team reacted on seeing the pitch, to which he said, “The Indian team said that there was too much grass left on the wicket, but that’s how we love to keep it since it is a three-day game. One cannot give a wicket without grass on it. Other than that, they were happy with everything else.”

Veteran NCC member then said, “We hope that the Indian side will be happy with the conditions that have been provided here. We have had teams like Australia, New Zealand, and England playing here earlier. This is a ground where international games aren’t played. Only practice matches are conducted. This is the first time we are getting to host India, and we are happy about it.” The club is also famous for creating some of the biggest and legendary names in Sri Lankan cricket history. 

NCC member states SLC asked for green wicket

When asked to speak about the grass left on the pitch, the veteran official said, “A tinge of grass has been requested by Sri Lankan cricket, so we will keep it as it is. Maybe the conditions may change, but normally NCC wickets are well known for batting. We are hoping it will be a high-scoring encounter and the visiting side batters will have a good game before heading to Galle.”

“Spinners will get good help, and it may start turning from the third day. In the first few days it will help the batters, and the captain winning the toss will want to make use of the wicket. It has always been a batting-friendly wicket here, and we always make fair wickets, and the side that does well will win the game,” said Mr. Francke in his chat with Revsportz. 

Speaking about the conditions for the first Test in Galle, which favours the spinners, NCC’s long-time official said: “The wicket we have given is pretty good. I cannot say it will favour one side over the other.” The three-day practice match will be a great outing for Shubman Gill and his bowlers in particular, as the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Saransh Jain will get much-needed practice.