ICC rates West Indies pitches for both India Tests as ‘average’

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NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has raised concerns over the pitch quality at Windsor Park in Roseau, Dominica, and rated it “average”, following the opening Test match between West Indies and India in July. Jeff Crowe, the match referee for the game, initially gave the pitch a “below average” rating, which could have resulted in the venue receiving a demerit point.
Cricket West Indies had the option to appeal Crowe’s assessment, but this would have required them to address the ICC regarding the sub-standard pitch conditions.
The Windsor Park pitch gained notoriety for its slow and turning nature. During the Test, the home team, batting first, struggled and was bundled out for a mere 150 runs. Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was the star performer, bagging a fifer, while leg-spinner Ravindra Jadeja claimed three wickets.
In response, the Indian team showcased their batting prowess, amassing 421 runs for the loss of five wickets. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma played pivotal roles, scoring 171 and 103 runs, respectively.

However, it was India’s bowlers who dominated the second innings, with Ashwin delivering an exceptional performance, securing seven wickets for just 71 runs. The match concluded within three days, with India emerging victorious by an innings and 141 runs.
Meanwhile, the pitch used for the second Test at the Queens Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, also received an “average” rating. This Test match ended in a rain-affected draw, adding to the pitch quality discussions in the cricketing world.
(With inputs from PTI)