A day after arriving in Chennai, the Indian and English cricket teams found themselves unable to carry out their regular practice sessions – for the fifth and final Test scheduled to be held at the city’s Chepauk stadium.
The practice area was destroyed during Cyclone Vardah, which also left the city’s infrastructure crippled after it made landfall on Monday.
However, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association secretary, Kasi Viswanathan, has assured that the main pitch and the outfield have not suffered any substantial damage. He has confirmed that the match will be held as per schedule from 16 December.
The Indian cricket team found a way to kill time after their practice session was scrapped.
Although the main pitch and outfield have not suffered much damage, and the weather in Chennai is improving, concerns are being raised over possible changes in wicket behaviour.
Viswanathan pointed out that the stadium’s infrastructure had suffered setbacks, with “bulbs blown off”, “sightscreens and air-conditioners damaged” and trees having fallen on the road leading up to the stadium.
“There is a lot of work to be done, but we are taking it up on a war footing,” he said.
The efforts appear to be bearing fruit, if one is to go by this picture of ground staff using coal to get the pitch ready for the Test:
Sources: ESPNCricinfo, Times of India
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