SPORTS

Test will last five days, says curator

By Harish Kotian in Kolkata
March 15, 2005 19:02 IST

Eden Gardens curator Prabir Mukherjee says the second Test between India and Pakistan will last five days.

"However," he stressed, "I am quite sure that there will be a result.

"The first Test at Mohali ended in a draw, but it will not be the case this time around."

Mukherjee's prediction is good news for cricket fans.

India and Pakistan have played 51 Tests, of which a mammoth 34 ended in draws. Pakistan had the upper hand, winning 10, while India beat their arch-rivals only seven times.

Besides, India have never beaten Pakistan at the Eden Gardens. Of the five matches at the venue between the two sides, four were drawn, while the visitors won one -- the first game of the Asian Test Championship in February 1999.

Prabir said Sourav Ganguly, who inspected the pitch on Sunday, looked pleased with its preparation and "did not recommended anything".

"The pitch will help the fast bowlers for the first couple of days. Then the spinners can take advantage, provided they bowl the right stuff," he added.

Mukherjee also stressed that batsmen will enjoy batting on the hard, green surface as the ball will come on to the bat.

"The outfield is also very quick and the batsmen will get full value for their shots."

He was also upbeat about the weather.

"Going by my experience, there maybe a thunder shower or two during the course of the match, but it will not affect the match in any way."

Emphasizing that he was never instructed to prepare a favourable pitch for the home side, he said: "There was no instructions or directions from anyone. Everyone is satisfied with the pitch and agree that it is a good, sporting track. The team that applies itself better on the pitch will come up trumps."

Would India finally break the 'Eden jinx' and beat Pakistan this time?

"I cannot say whether India can win or not, but I will be happy if India wins and there is a good contest between the bat and the ball for the full five days."

Harish Kotian in Kolkata

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