The Indian cricket team will aim for glory in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. India and Australia are two of the greatest cricketing nations, and India’s recent whitewash against a 3-game Test series against New Zealand adds a lot more anticipation for the 5-match Test series, which will start on November 22, 2024, in Perth.

Following a spell of unusual rain, WACA curator doesn’t expect Perth pitch to develop “snake cracks”

WACA head curator Isaac McDonald on Wednesday said the unusual rain in Perth has impacted the pitch preparation for the first Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy and though he doesn’t expect the surface to develop “snake cracks”, there will still be plenty of bounce and carry.

The surface at the Optus Stadium or at the nearby WACA ground is known for its pace and bounce and when the cracks open up in dry conditions, it provides more assistance to the seamers besides bringing the spinners into play.

The city has witnessed rain over the past few days and the pitch was covered for the whole day on Tuesday, cutting down preparation time for the curator.

The pitch is likely to retain moisture come match day, effectively ruling out the possibility of major deterioration over the course of five days.

The forecast is clear for Friday as well as the remaining four days but the temperatures are unlikely to increase drastically. McDonald wants the sun to emerge from the clouds at the earliest so that the surface can behave close to its traditional nature.

How much grass will we get to see before toss? “We’ve still got to try and get to a point where we think we’re going to be fine by Friday. We’re still in around the ballpark, 8 to 10 mm, was where we were last year as well.

Perth is hosting the opening game of a marquee series and that is bound to put some pressure on the groundstaff. However, McDonald is not feeling the heat.

He chose to stay on the fence when asked what he would do if he wins the toss on Friday.

(PTI)