Explained: Why ICC has prepared two different pitches for WTC final, IND vs AUS

India are taking on Australia in the ICC WTC final 2021-23 at The Oval in London.

The epic clash between India and Australia is taking place at The Oval on Wednesday. It is the final of the World Test Championship 2023. This game will decided that who will be the next World Test Champion after New Zealand. Both teams looked pretty ready for the high-voltage clash and to get their hands on the championship. However, the conditions in England will be a big challenge for both teams.

Notably, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that the final will be played with the Dukes ball, which swings and wobbles more as compared to the SG and Kookaburra used in India and Australia during test matches. Both teams will have to take on the other challenge, which will be the pitch for the WTC final. As per some media reports, the ICC has prepared two different pitches for the final, which will come into play if required.

International Cricket Council (ICC) has prepared two different pitches for IND vs AUS WTC Final 2023

The decision to make two different pitches for the final was taken after the threat received from oil protestors, who have warned to damage the Oval pitch during the match proceedings at the Kennington Oval. For precautionary reasons, the security officials will also be available throughout the five days of the game. As confirmed by ANI, the ICC has also made some notable changes in the Playing Conditions under Section 6.4 to prepare the second pitch.

However, the second prepared pitch will come into play if the first one gets damaged. To make sure, the match officials will if the game can continue on the pitch or the second pitch will be used. Notably, both teams' captains have also been informed regarding the same. However, if both teams agree to play on the same pitch, then the game will continue, or else it will end there without any result.

The final will also have a reserve day (June 12), which will be used if there is any rain or unforeseen situations. According to Lee Fortis, head groundsman, it will be a bouncy track. The picture released of the pitch had a clear green top. It will make the conditions more challenging for India as compared to Australia. Adding to that, India have only won two games at his venue out of the 14 they have played.