T20 World Cup: ICC ‘working hard’ to improve quality of New York pitches

The International Cricket Council (ICC) says they are hoping for a dramatic improvement in surfaces being used in New York at the T20 World Cup after
widespread criticism
.

The opening two matches at the temporary venue, the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, were both low-scoring affairs hampered by uneven bounce.

In the first, on Monday, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 77 as
South Africa won with 22 balls to spare
.

And on Wednesday,
India won their Group A match against Ireland
by eight wickets after bowling out their opponents for just 96.

Both games saw seamers prosper with deliveries going unevenly off the surface. Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant were struck, with the former
going off retired hurt
, and Harry Trector had to undergo a concussion test after a nasty delivery by Jasprit Bumrah first hit him on the glove and then on the helmet.

The
pitch will gain added importance
as it prepares to host the marquee match up on Sunday when favourites India take on rivals Pakistan.

“T20 Inc and the ICC recognise that the pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium have not played as consistently as we would have all wanted,” the ICC said in a statement.

“The world-class grounds team have been working hard since the conclusion of yesterday’s game to remedy the situation and deliver the best possible surfaces for the remaining matches,” they added.

Andy Flower, the former Zimbabwe player and ex-England team director, told ESPNCricinfo that he felt the surface was not up to scratch.

“I’ve got to say that is not a good surface to play an international match on. It’s bordering on dangerous,” said Flower.

“You saw the ball bouncing from a length both ways, so skidding low occasionally but in the main bouncing unusually high and striking people on the thumb, on the gloves, on the helmet and making life very, very difficult for any batsman,” he added.

The square at the venue was only put in place in May after drop-in pitches, prepared in Florida since December, were transported by trailer trucks.

The surface has seen balls rise off a good length as well as skid low from similar areas on the wicket.

The second and third strips are yet to be used and there are six more games scheduled for the venue.