The weather, though, has cleared considerably and there is no immediate threat of rain. The pitch and the outfield were “not severely affected by the cyclone” and the drainage at the ground is good enough to make it ready for the Test before Friday. “We are just hoping that it doesn’t rain anymore,” the secretary added.
But there are areas which have been damaged and the TNCA secretary made it clear that they have to work round the clock to get things in order. “The next 48 hours are going to be tough. We have to fix the damaged sightscreen. We have to restore the network connectivity in and around stadium. The stands are to be looked after. There are trees at the entrance of the stadium on almost all sides and they have to be cleared,” Kasi said.
While the pitch that is to be used for the fifth Test was exposed to sunshine late in the afternoon on Tuesday, the rest of the square was completely covered.
It was also learnt that the pitch was supposed to be dry and assist the spinners. But the fact that it was under covers for two days may get the pacers back in the equation. “It’s to be seen if the moisture on the pitch following the last few days of rain stays till the match starts,” a source said. TNCA invites Anurag Thakur: The TNCA has invited BCCI president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke along with various members of the BCCI and other state associations for the Test match.
(Sourced from agencies, feature image courtesy:crictrophy.com)
