It's undoubtedly been the biggest controversy preceding the third Test between India and England. The one surrounding the pitch for the match at the Eden Gardens.
It has all the ingredients of drama in abundance, with India captain MS Dhoni demanding a turning track and Prabir Mukherjee, the curator at Eden, refusing to comply with his demand.
The latter was removed, and he even threatened to go on a medical leave before timely intervention by CAB supremo Jagmohan Dalmiya led to not only his reinstatement but also settlement of the issue.
If former Indian captain, and local hero Sourav Ganguly is to be believed, the curator's negative response to Dhoni's demand wasn't exactly unexpected.
"He (Mukherjee) doesn't listen to anyone," explained Ganguly.
"Even when I was the captain, and went to him with requests, he would refuse me," he revealed.
The long running drama meant the actual nature of this Eden wicket remains a mystery even as the teams prepare to take the field.
However, if Ganguly is to be believed, it's a blessing in disguise.
"A better wicket is better than an under-prepared one. The wicket factor will now get out of the mind of the players and that is a good thing," reasoned Ganguly.
"Now that we don't know about the wicket, at least the team can concentrate on its performance," he added.
Ganguly expressed confidence in the wicket and asserted the match would go the distance.
"It will be a good wicket," he said, before quickly adding, "Team India has a good record at the venue."
Also read:
- Dhoni remains defiant about turning track demand
