Ekana Lucknow Pitch Report: Is Batting Easy or Bowling Advantage Now

Today, I finally got down to it and visited the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Honestly, I’ve been hearing so much chatter about whether this pitch is easier for the batters or gives the bowlers an edge now. Needed to see for myself.

Just Walking Onto The Field

Got there nice and early, before the scorching midday sun really kicked in. First thought hitting me? The outfield grass felt way different. Looked drier, shorter, almost brittle compared to the last time I was here a few months back. You could practically hear the crunch under your feet.

Getting My Hands Dirty

Didn’t just wanna stare. Rolled up my sleeves and got physical:

• Stomped around the center strip. Tried to feel the hardness with my heels. Expected solid concrete, but nah. Way more springy underfoot than it looked. Like walking on a slightly stiff carpet.
• Knelt down for a close look at the surface. Fingernail test time! Scratched lightly at patches away from the main wicket block. Got dusty residue under my nail instantly. That loose stuff just sitting on top? Big red flag for spin later.
• Checked out the colour. Whole surface didn’t look uniformly brown anymore. Visible dark patches, especially nearer the bowler’s end. Smell? That classic dry, earthy pitch smell was strong.

Watching The Ground Staff Work

Hung around as the groundsmen did their thing later morning. Saw how that loose surface layer reacted.

• They rolled it carefully. Noticed more dust kicking up quickly on each pass.
• Looked close at the roller marks. The top layer wasn’t binding together nicely. Kinda just pushed around.

Made me frown. That surface ain’t holding together like it used to.

Trying To Predict The Battle

Okay, putting it all together in my head:

• That spongy base underneath? Big plus for the quick bowlers early on. Ball should zip through, might even get a bit of bounce surprise.
• But that super loose top layer? Disaster waiting for batters once the shine’s gone off the ball. Spinners gonna lick their lips. Ball grips, turns sharp, plus that dust flies – fielders gulping dirt for sure.
• Dark patches? Usually means cracks widen faster when baking under the sun. Uneven bounce nightmare incoming later in the day.

So, final take? Batters dreaming of easy runs? Forget it. Bowlers definitely smiling here. Those first few overs? Pacers buzzing. Then? Prepare for a spin doctor takeover, turning the game on its head. Wicketkeeper better bring a stiff brush for all that dust.

Just my two cents after kicking the dirt myself! Let’s see if the matches this week prove me right.