[ad_1]
Dubai International Cricket Stadium’s pitch for ICC Champions Trophy 2025—will spinners dominate, or will pacers thrive under lights? A detailed pitch analysis awaits.
New Delhi: With just a week before India’s opening match against Bangladesh, questions arise over India’s decision to include five spinners and only three seamers for their Dubai campaign. The logic behind this choice is debatable, especially when hosts Pakistan, who are more accustomed to the UAE conditions, have opted for just one specialist spinner.
The three UAE venues—Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi—offer varying conditions despite being slow. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in particular, is unique due to its massive concrete structure, which affects sunlight exposure on different pitches. Robin Singh, former India player and ex-UAE coach, highlights how Dubai’s stadium layout influences pitch behavior. Pitches exposed to the sun for longer periods tend to be different from those in the shade, impacting pace and bounce. Humidity brings dew into play, but it appears too early to significantly affect toss decisions.
Hemang Badani, head coach of Dubai Capitals in ILT20, observed how the conditions changed over time. Initially, teams favored four seamers and two spinners, but as the tournament progressed, an additional spinner became necessary due to slowing pitches. Seven ODIs have been played in February at Dubai, with only two involving full members Pakistan and England—both won by chasing teams. However, historical data is limited, making it difficult to establish a clear trend.
India’s bowling dynamics will be tested without Jasprit Bumrah. With Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana differing in length from Mohammed Shami, defending totals could be challenging. If dew becomes a factor, playing both wrist spinners—Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy—could be risky. Choosing just one might reduce attacking options, which India has favored in ODIs recently.
Dubai’s lack of cross-ventilation limits swing movement, unlike Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The new ball might offer some assistance under lights but not for extended periods. Robin Singh believes a skilled pacer like Mohammed Shami, who hits the right lengths, could be crucial in Dubai’s conditions. Statistically, pacers have outperformed spinners at this venue, claiming 463 wickets in 58 ODIs at an average of 28.62, compared to spinners’ 320 wickets at an average of 30.17.
Last 10 ODIs result played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium
(DICS) Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
Daytime matches, starting at 2:30 PM local time, provide the best conditions for spinners. Curators have preserved fresh pitches for the ICC event, maintaining grass to prevent excessive turn or disintegration. While Dubai’s surface rarely crumbles like subcontinental pitches, spinners benefit from daytime conditions. With only four 300-plus scores recorded at the venue, batting depth remains critical for teams seeking success in Dubai.
Source link
