ICC Pitch Consultant Andy Atkinson returns home before Cricket World Cup Final

The absence of ICC pitch consultant Andy Atkinson during the pitch preparation for the World Cup final between India and Australia has sparked speculation about his future. However, according to BCCI sources, Atkinson has already left the country as his assignment has concluded, dismissing any controversy surrounding his departure.

According to a BCCI source as quoted by PTI, "Andy's assignment is over, and he has gone back. Nowhere is it written that the ICC's pitch consultant needs to be present before the final." Atkinson had previously stirred controversy by accusing the host nation of changing the pitch for the semifinal between India and New Zealand.

Despite not being a favorite with the BCCI brass, the ICC later clarified that there is no rule requiring knockout matches to be played on a fresh track. On the eve of the final, senior BCCI ground staff closely monitored the pitch preparations, with curators and officials overseeing the use of the heavy roller on the designated strip.

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While it remains unconfirmed whether the final pitch is a used one or a fresh surface, experts suggest that the use of a heavy roller on a black soil strip aims to create a slow batting track. This could result in a defendable score, as batting second may prove challenging.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma, along with regular players KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, engaged in an extensive net session, accompanied by reserve players Ishan Kishan, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Prasidh Krishna. Rohit and coach Rahul Dravid spent significant time examining the track and discussing strategies with BCCI officials, adhering to the customary pre-match rituals.

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(With PTI inputs)