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What To Expect From Visakhapatnam's Pitch? All You Need To Know Ahead Of IND vs ENG 2nd Test
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the showdown between India and England in the upcoming 2nd Test, all eyes turn to the picturesque Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. After India's defeat in the first Test at Hyderabad, the spotlight intensified on the crucial role the pitch is expected to play in determining the fate of the series. This article delves into all aspects of the historic venue, providing insights into the stadium's profile, history, records, and the anticipated conditions for the highly anticipated encounter between the two cricketing giants. Let's unravel the mysteries of the ACA-VDCA Stadium and explore why it stands as a pivotal battleground for India's quest for redemption against England.
What To Expect From Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium?
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The picturesque ACA-VDCA Stadium, nestled on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, is the home ground for the Andhra cricket team. Established in 2003, it seats 25,000 and is set for expansion to 36,000.
Pitch Characteristics
The playing strip at ACA-VDCA is renowned as one of the best batting pitches in India. It offers a hard and true surface, ideal for batsmen to play through the line, as exemplified by MS Dhoni's spectacular 148 against Pakistan in 2005.
Ground History and Notable Events
ACA-VDCA witnessed its first ODI in 2005 and the inaugural Test in 2016. It has hosted IPL matches and notable events like Virat Kohli reaching 10,000 ODI runs in 2018.
Test Records and Centuries
The pitch, known for assisting spinners, challenges teams batting second. Rohit Sharma's record-breaking 159 and Mayank Agarwal's double century are among the notable centuries here.
Five-Wicket Hauls and Recent Performances
Bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami have claimed five-wicket hauls. In recent matches, the pitch has favored batsmen, evident in India's highest ODI score of 387 against West Indies in 2019.
Team Strategies and Key Players
India, after losing the first Test, faces the challenge of levelling the series. The team will need to adapt to the pitch conditions, with potential changes in the playing XI. The support of the home crowd can be a game-changer.
Variability in Pitch Behavior
The ACA-VDCA pitch is known for its variability, keeping both batsmen and bowlers on their toes. While it traditionally favours batsmen, it can exhibit unpredictable behaviour as the game progresses, adding an element of excitement and challenge.
Effect of Weather on Pitch
The coastal location of Visakhapatnam means that weather conditions, such as humidity, can influence the behaviour of the pitch. Bowlers might find swing and movement in the air, especially in the early hours, making the first session crucial for both teams.
Role of Spinners
Spinners play a significant role on this pitch, especially as the game progresses. The dry and abrasive surface tends to assist spin, making it a crucial factor in the later stages of a Test match. Teams often strategize around the effectiveness of spinners in the second innings.
Historical Comebacks and Chases
The ACA-VDCA Stadium has witnessed historic comebacks and successful chases. Teams batting last have successfully chased down significant targets, showcasing the potential for gripping and high-scoring encounters, making it a ground where no total is entirely safe.
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