IND vs AUS: Why did the Indore pitch offer wicked turn and variable bounce on the morning of Day 1?
The pitch which was a mix of red and black is not new to Indian players. But prior to the Test, as has been the case throughout the series, there was selective watering. Though it’s a common practice, what made it so hard for Indian batsmen was the fact that the moisture content – black soil tends to absorb more of it, which made it a bit damp. So whenever the ball landed in those parts – which had a bit of grass cover – it kept low. And whenever the ball landed in the dry area – mostly red soil – it found a sharp turn and bounce.
Selective watering is a regular feature in Indian pitches but works better if the pitch isn’t a mixed-soil in nature. Black and red soils are contrasting as it is, offering different bounce but the selective watering meant it was even more of a contrast here....