BACK TO THE BATTLEFIELD

India and Australia look to put controversies behind as third Test begins today

Ranchi, March 15: The spotlight is firmly trained on the pitch as an ambitious India brace up for what is expected to be a high-voltage battle of attrition against Australia in the third Test starting here on Thursday.

Since the amicable end to the acrimonious DRS saga, the focus has shifted to the pitch at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association, which is organising it’s first-ever Test match.

The four-match series is locked at 1-1 and the game at M.S. Dhoni’s home town would be crucial to the outcome of the series. The wicket for the first Test was rated poor while the Bengaluru surface, where the second match was played, has been deemed “below average” by match referee Chris Broad.

Trailing 0-1 following a shocking 331-run defeat in the opener, India will enter the match with new-found confidence having scripted a brilliant fightback in Bengaluru.

Australian captain Steve Smith had stirred up a controversy in Bengaluru by seeking advice from the dressing room on using the contentious DRS technology for an lbw dismissal at a crucial juncture.

Heading into the match, both teams are wary of the pitch. A few days ago, Dhoni, who is currently in Delhi leading Jharkhand in the domestic one-dayers, was seen with the curator during the pitch preparations. On the surface, the 22yard strip looks tailormade for spinners, even as the local officials maintain it will last the distance. Head coach Anil Kumble took a long look at the pitch in consultation with East Zone curator Ashish Bhowmick, assessing its firmness.

It was watered in the morning and there were a few spells of rain about a week back, explaining its moisture-laden appearance.

It’s between the number one and two sides in the world. They understand that, it's just about playing within the boundaries of the game and making sure that cricket is the winner

— STEVE SMITH