Mohali to have a competitive pitch for third Test

Australia have been promised a “competitive” pitch at Mohali, venue of the third Test beginning March 14, unlike the turners at Chennai and Hyderabad where they were mauled by Indian spinners.

The track prepared for the match will suit both the bowlers and the batsmen and the organisers expect the game to go the full distance.

“The wicket at the PCA ground here will not be of the same character (as it was in Chennai and Hyderabad). The pitch here will be good for both the sides. It will not bring out a one-sided result as has happened in the first two matches,” said PCA Secretary M.P. Pandove.

“It will suit both the batsmen and the bowlers. The ball will come on to the bat nicely and there will be enough assistance for the pacers. The spinners will come into play later on. We would like to have real good cricket here,” Pandove added.

India completely outplayed the visitors in the first two Tests, winning by eight wickets in Chennai and by an innings and 135 runs in Hyderabad.

PCA president I S Bindra said that the groundsmen here have made a “competitive pitch”.

“We have done exactly this (made a competitive pitch) so that spectators also enjoy and players also put in their best,” he said.

Mohali has traditionally helped the seamers in the initial stages of the match before it becomes a good batting track. The spinners generally get some assistance towards the end of the fourth day.

The PCA stadium has been a happy hunting ground for India, who have lost just one match of the 10 Tests played here. They have won four while five matches ended in draws.

New Zealand have recorded the highest score of 636/6 declared in a drawn match against India in 2003 while the lowest ever score was registered by the hosts in 1994 when they were bowled out for a paltry 114 in the second innings against the West Indies while chasing 358.

Bindra, meanwhile, said since PCA wants more spectators to come for the match, tickets prices have been kept low.

“Other centres have also started adopting our policy,” he added.

Pandove further said that for attracting youngsters, the rate of the tickets for the students have been priced as low as Rs 150 for five days.

“The cricket academies in the tri-city -- Chandigarh Mohali and Panchkula -- will be given a discount of 25 per cent so that they can accommodate the poor trainees who cannot even afford the cheap tickets,” he added.

The air-conditioned lounge tickets have been priced at Rs 4,000, box seat at Rs 5,000, VIP enclosure Rs 750 and Chair Class Rs 250, Pandove informed, adding that the sale of tickets will commence on Friday.