India vs Australia, 4th Test: Pacers counting on `true pitch`; Dale Steyn emerges as unlikely catalyst

New Delhi: In India, the focus has always been on the pitch – how will it behave, when will it start crumbling, et al. The ongoing India-Australia series too has got its fair share of 'pitch talk', with the first match in Pune witnessing a "poor" top, then a " below average" in Bangalore. Luckily, the Ranchi pitch turned out to be a face saviour for everyone.

In two days time, the fourth and final Test will start in Dharamsala, and both the camps have taken an earnest look of the pitch. Considering its unique vegetation and surrounding – different from other Indian grounds – the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium often carries a pace-friendly reputation.

Thus, the talks of an imminent inclusion of Mohammed Shami – probably India's most liveliest pacer – has emerged in the Indian camp, even as Aussie pacer Josh Hazlewood comforts himself with the possibility of a result; meaning, the visitors are quietly hoping for a juicy top.

Days ahead of the Test, reports emerged that the HPCA Stadium pitch has a smattering of grass, akin to those in England. But, the true nature of the pitch will only be known in the morning of Day 1.

That's where an unlikely 'possible' catalyst in Dale Steyn emerged for the pacers and also for the curator Sunil Chauhan. Placed at an elevation of 1370 metres at the foot of the Himalayas, the Dharamsala pitch can astound anybody.

Chauhan has reportedly promised a true Test match wicket where fast bowlers and aggressive batsmen will flourish. And here's what made Chauhan audacious enough to prepare such a sporting, if not fast pitch – a story which will serve as a background, or, if possible, a flashback.

In the second match of the 2007-08 South Africa A tour of India at Dharamsala, Steyn got a taste of what the pitch has to offer to fast bowlers.

Impressed with the bounce and carry of the pitch, Steyn gifted Chauhan his entire kit and an autographed cap.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Chauhan recalled that incident. “Ishant Sharma, playing for India A, was getting most balls to go over the shoulder. Before this match, they were playing in Delhi where the bounce was not even knee high.

"Steyn did not expect that such a pitch could be made in India. He said that if he had gotten one hour to bowl on this pitch, he would have become a great fast bowler."

As promised, Chauhan is ready to provide a true pitch. Besides, he also laid out what a true pitch should look like, play-wise.

“First two hours should provide assistance to the fast bowlers. As time progresses and the sun is out, then it should be good for the batsmen when it comes to strokeplay. After three days, the spinners should come into the game. On the fourth day, when the cracks start to widen, both pace bowlers and spinners will find assistance,” he said.

In the recent Ranji Trophy matches, Ashoke Dinda picked up ten wickets for Bengal against Railways, while Ishwar Pandey got seven scalps for Madhya Pradesh in their game against Baroda.

The Ranchi match ended in a draw to leave the four-match series tied at 1-1. Fourth match starts on Saturday. The winner in Dharamsala will take the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.