Ind vs SA, 1st Test: Mohali pitch will be a good cricketing wicket, says PCA secretary

Mohali: A good cricketing strip is in the offing for the Test series opener between India and South Africa at Mohali with the wicket to help fast bowlers initially and later spinners coming into play, Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) secretary MP Pandove said on Friday.

"We have tried our best to make a good cricketing wicket. It has something for everybody whether the batsmen or the bowlers," said Pandove.

"The wicket will help fast bowlers initially and after the wear and tear the spinners will become handy on the pitch," he added.

The pitch, with lush green outfields, will provide good cricket, he said adding that "it's a good five day wicket."

Indian Team, which has lost the T20 and the ODI series against the visiting South Africans, will be looking forward to make amends under the command of Virat Kohli in the first Test scheduled to be played here from November 5-9.

Pandove said that the South African team will be arriving here on November 1.

Indian Team though will reach here on November 2, a day after attending the wedding reception of spinner Harbhajan Singh on Monday in Delhi.

Harbhajan got married to actor Geeta Basra on October 29.

In pics: 22 yards to seven vows, Harbhajan Singh marries Geeta Basra

As the sale of tickets has got "lukeworm" response with only some 1000 tickets sold so far, Pandove advocated the cutting down of prices of tickets for the Test matches.

"Sale of tickets (for Test matches) of late has reduced drastically and it is a real problem," he observed.

He suggested the the prices of tickets should be nominal to attract more spectators.

"Efforts should be made to reduce the prices of tickets," he said.

On possibility of rains, he said that the drainage system of the PCA ground is such that if it rains for two consecutive days, the ground can be made proper for playing conditions within two hours.

He said that pre-winter showers had already taken place and the weather is unlikely to play a spoilsport.

Looking at the recent unpleasant incident by spectators during a ODI in the current series, he said that the crowd will not be permitted to bring anything from outside.

He said that BCCI president Shahshank Manohar and secretary Anurag Thakur are expected to come to Mohali while there is no confirmation from members of the Board.

"All selectors will be available during the match," he said.