IND vs AUS Cricket World Cup Final To Be Played On 'Used Pitch': Report

IND vs AUS World Cup Final pitch controversy: Preferring a used pitch over a fresh one is an infrequent phenomenon but not rare in ICC knockout matches.

A new pitch tends to retain its condition for a longer duration compared to a used one, means the ball won't spin that much.

Source : PTI

IND vs AUS Cricket World Cup 2023 Final, scheduled for November 19 at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, is anticipated to be played on a "used pitch" rather than a fresh one. As reported by The Indian Express, the same pitch that was used for World Cup group stage match between India and Pakistan on October 14 will be used for IND vs AUS Cricket World Cup 2023 Final. Notably, India vs Pakistan World Cup encounter was a one-sided affair, with the Indian bowling lineup dominating and securing a convincing victory over arch-rivals Pakistan.

A new pitch tends to retain its condition for a longer duration compared to a used one, meaning the ball won't spin that much as it would on a used pitch. In contrast, a used pitch undergoes wear and tear, leading to a gradual deterioration and increased slowness as the match progresses, providing help to spinners. ICC usually opts for fresh pitches in knockout games to make sure that the home team doesn't get advantage of playing in 'home conditions'.

T20 World Cup semifinals which involved India, New Zealand, England and Pakistan were played on used pitches but in 'Australian conditions' where even on a used pitch, bounce and turn remains quite the same across both innings. Also, the T20 World Cup was organised in Australia by ICC and Australia (home team) weren't part of the semifinal / knockout stage.

The situation is completely different when it comes to ODI World Cup 2023 as the home board, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as the tournament organizer, has a significant stake in the success of Team India, especially as the Indian team has reached the final.

Why India and not Australia has an advantage if a 'used pitch' is used for IND vs AUS ODI World Cup 2023 Final?

Spinners tend to benefit from a slow pitch, and Team India possesses a wealth of quality spinners. Australian batters take time to adjust to slow-paced pitches. However, one thing is certain that there's no 'foul play' and the selection of pitch for IND vs AUS ODI World Cup Final will be done as per ICC norms / rules.