India vs Sri Lanka | OCA prepares a 180+ wicket for T20 series opener in Cuttack

However, despite being allotted the T20I more than six months ago, the haphazardness for the arrangement for the T20I series opener came to the fore once again, as it was left in poor condition after hosting the Federation Cup, All India Football Federation (AIFF) Junior Women’s League, and Football Association of Odisha (FAO) matches until the end of September. The matches were being played on the centre wicket and although the OCA promised that the top-soil would be changed altogether. However, that did not come to pass and as a result of the same, the ground had been providing a two-paced nature just days before the game. Instead, the OCA added more clay to the surafce to cover up the cracks and used heavy rollers to make the ground match ready. 

Under the condition of anonymity, the source told SportsCafe, “There were enough cracks on the surface which provided uneven bounce and the wicket was two-paced as well. But after the ground staff added extra clay and sufficiently watered it, the pitch is holding up well and looks ready for an international game. Thanks to the last three days of effort and not subjecting it to the sun, the pitch is now expected to be a 180-plus match.”