TimesofIndia.com in Dubai: The final clash of the Champions Trophy is just two sleeps away but the preparations on the playing square were underway as soon as the semi-final between India and Australia got over on March 4. The ground staff generously watered the entire square and put markers on both ends of the centre wicket. The centre wicket was used for the group stage clash between India and Pakistan on February 23 and the same strip is now set to be used for the India-New Zealand game on March 9.
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Some may argue that a “used” surface will be used for the fixture but the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) have continued to maintain their two-week rest policy for every pitch used in the multi-nation tournament so far. It is understood that all four pitches rested for at least two weeks before fixtures were played on them. The square continues to be tired because of the amount of cricket played before the tournament got underway but the moment the ECB got the schedule of Champions Trophy, they started planning even when the ILT20 was underway.
“If you look at the pitches used in the Champions Trophy, the curators and ground staff ensured they get at least two weeks rest. Even when the ILT20 was on, the pitch used for the India vs Bangladesh game wasn’t used for two weeks before match day. Similar approach was followed for the fixtures that were scheduled after that,” says an official close to developments.
“The ILT20 was underway but the ground staff had an eye on the Champions Trophy. Not just the square, the outfield was given a lot of importance and that is why you have such a lush outfield even after so much cricket,” adds the official.
Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitches (Pic credit: Sahil Malhotra/TimesofIndia.com)
Temperature rises
The last few days have been very hot in Dubai and even the nights haven’t been as cool as they were during the first two weeks of the tournament. The weather will definitely have a say on how the 22 yards will behave during the title clash.
It could well be slower than how it behaved during India vs Pakistan and the ground staff didn’t allow it to bake under the unforgiving sun on March 7. It was under covers during the afternoon and evening hours and a first look is likely when the covers come off on eve of the game.