The third Test of the ongoing four-match series between India and Australia is at risk of being moved to a different venue at the last moment. As of now, the match is scheduled to be held at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium in Dharamasala.
However, recent reports have stated that the venue is not fit for international cricket after a recent renovation and it could compel the BCCI to change the venue for the penultimate match of the Border-Gavaskar Series. The third Test is scheduled to be played from March 1 to 5.
The HPCA Stadium has not hosted a first-class match since early 2020. However, it had hosted an international game in February 2022 when India locked horns against Sri Lanka for a T20I game. The stadium has hosted only one Test so far and incidentally it was between India and Australia in 2017.
According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, the stadium recently underwent renovations to relay the outfield and fit a new drainage system. The report further added that recent rain in the city has delayed the work, thus making the ground unfit for an international game at the moment.
The BCCI will take a final call on the venue over the next few days, based on the outcome of an inspection of the ground to be conducted by the board’s team of experts. The report also stated that the Indian cricket board has already shortlisted a back-up venue. The board, however, will announce it only if hosting the game in Dharamsala is ruled out.
India vs Australia 2023: Possible venue for third Test:
While the BCCI is yet to announce the backup venue for the third Test, the report added that some of the venues shortlisted for the game are Visakhapatnam, Rajkot, Pune and Indore.
Meanwhile, the second Test is scheduled to be played in Delhi 17. The tickets sell for the upcoming game has already begun but they have not been released yet for the final two Tests. As of now, both the teams are fighting it out in the first Test at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur.
India have put themselves in the driver’s seat after the first two days of action. After bowling out Australia for just 177, India were on 321 for 7 at the end of second day.
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