Already marked as ‘average’, the Dharamshala ground will be up for a stern test when it hosts the ICC World Cup game between South Africa and the Netherlands on Tuesday after a spell of rain on match eve.
As per latest update, the match is likely to be marred by rain with Dharamshala witnessing drizzle since early morning on Tuesday. The forecast from the Indian Meteorological Department isn’t much encouraging as there are predictions of thunderstorms with rain throughout the day.
The surrounding mountains experienced the first snowfall of the season, resulting in heavy showers since the wee hours of Monday in Dharamshala, with the groundstaff racing against time to ensure a full match on Tuesday.
However, the host association expressed confidence that their was no threat to the fixture.
Far from being convinced, both participating teams have raised concerns over the outfield that has turned muddier, as no team can afford to risk their key players.
“Yeah, it looks a bit touchy. When we practised last night, it didn’t affect us so much. I don’t know if it’s easy to change your diving technique as a result in the heat of the moment (during the game). Guys will have to put a bit more attention to it,” South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma said on Monday.
Netherlands head coach Ryan Cook isn’t much worried, though as he maintained, “I’ll speak about the outfield with a bit of glee because this is probably better than most of the outfields we play in any way.”
For the Dharamshala ground, it isn’t a first in this World Cup, that players and coaches have flagged concerns. Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott had claimed their spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman was extremely lucky to escape injury following a dive in the deep that saw his knee getting stuck in the turf. England skipper Jos Buttler had termed the outfield ‘poor’ and something that went ‘against everything you want to be as a team’.
There were chances of a wash out last week when England took on Bangladesh with heavy showers on match eve; however, a clear sky and sunshine ensured a full game with England ending on the winning side.