Indian cricket officials have confirmed the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test has been moved from Dharamsala to Indore because of “harsh winter conditions”.
Key points:
- The third Test will be played at Indore’s Holkar Stadium
- India leads the four-Test series 1-0
- Australia fast bowler Scott Boland is desperate to keep his spot in the Test XI
The Test, which begins in March, will now be played at Holkar Stadium.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said the playing surface in Dharamsala was not up to Test standard.
“Owing to harsh winter conditions in the region, the outfield lacks sufficient grass density and will need some time to develop fully,” the BCCI said in a statement.
The fourth and final Test will be played in Ahmedabad as scheduled, beginning on March 9.
The second Test of the series begins in Delhi on Friday after India defeated Australia by an innings and 32 runs in the series opener in Nagpur.
Meanwhile, Australia fast bowler Scott Boland is hoping to make life difficult for selectors as star quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood close in on a return from injury.
The 33-year-old made his first Test appearance outside of Australia in Nagpur.
Boland’s performance was a rare positive in a dismal Test for the tourists.
He might not have taken a wicket, but his tight bowling of 0-34 from 17 overs helped keep India’s star batters in check.
Australia looked at its most threatening when Boland and debutant spin sensation Todd Murphy bowled in tandem.
Boland said he was desperate to keep his spot for the second Test in but realised he could easily be squeezed out for Starc or Hazlewood.
“Obviously I want to play,” he said.
“I enjoyed the challenge of bowling in these different conditions. I’ve just got to make the selectors’ job as hard as I can to bring someone in.
“I don’t think we’re going to play three fast bowlers. There’s only going to be two spots up for grabs, I reckon.”
Australia is expecting conditions in Delhi to be similar to what it contended with at Nagpur’s VCA Stadium.
Spin was king as Murphy claimed seven wickets, while India stars Ravi Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin tore through Australia’s batting line-up twice.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald said Queensland left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann was a “live chance” to play after being called into the squad.
The tourists will consider playing Kuhnemann with Murphy and star veteran Nathan Lyon only if allrounder Cameron Green is available to return from injury.
AAP/ABC
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