What To Expect From Visakhapatnam's Pitch? All You Need To Know Ahead Of IND vs ENG 2nd Test

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.