Snake cracks on pitches have long been a hallmark of Perth’s cricketing lore. Historically, the old WACA Ground was renowned for its pace and bounce, and the new Optus Stadium has carried on that tradition. Under dry conditions, cracks on the pitch often widen, resulting in unpredictable bounce and even aiding spinners. These cracks, sometimes gaping up to 5mm, can pose a formidable challenge for batters.
However, in the lead-up to the first Test in Perth, rain has been a persistent factor. The surface has remained under covers for extended periods, forcing head curator Issac McDonald and his team to adapt their preparations.
Despite these challenges, Issac McDonald anticipates a balanced contest between bat and ball when the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener kicks off on November 22. While the pitch is expected to deteriorate as the game progresses, McDonald downplayed the likelihood of dramatic snake cracks affecting play.
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“It’s been quite conditions-based. At the moment, we’re leaning towards rolling it a bit more on top to get that firmness, and that happy medium between bat and ball. [It] would be nice if the sun pops out, but we’re really comfortable as a curating team,” Issac McDonald stated, as per Business Standard.
There have been 4 tests played so far at the @OptusStadium in Perth and all 4 have been won by the team batting first.
Average scores :
🏏 1st innings – 457
🏏 2nd innings – 251
🏏 3rd innings – 219
🏏 4th innings- 183Unless there is weather around and the pitch is damp &… https://t.co/Hchjyh6Byu pic.twitter.com/2tFqF6hLrz
— rᥲȷі𝗍🇮🇳 (@imrajitd) November 20, 2024
He further added, “I don’t think this weather is going to make this pitch fall apart. There’ll be some deterioration. Grass will stand up during the game and offer that variable bounce. But in terms of big-snake WACA cracks, unfortunately, I don’t think the weather’s going to get us there.”
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As for team preparations, India is set to field three seamers along with Nitish Kumar Reddy as a fourth option in the first Test. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack, pairing with Mohammed Siraj, while either Prasidh Krishna or Harshit Rana is expected to fill the third seamer slot. Additionally, Nitish Kumar Reddy is poised to make his Test debut, while Devdutt Padikkal is the front-runner to replace the injured Shubman Gill in the playing XI.
