Rahul Dravid acknowledged the efforts of Green Park’s ground staff, led by Shiv Kumar, in creating a sporting pitch in time for the first Test against New Zealand, as he has done throughout his tenure as India’s national cricket team’s head coach. Despite fading light and a deteriorating track, New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel and Rachin Ravindra defied India’s legendary spinners to secure a thrilling draw on the fifth and final day of the first Test here on Monday.
“A formal announcement is required. Dravid has personally contributed Rs 35,000 to our ground staff’s salaries.” The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association held a post-match press conference (UPCA) stating the above announcements.
Dravid’s reputation as a level-headed competitor hasn’t changed over the years, and it remains so today. Thank you for not supplying an unprepared course that would have exploded in three days, effectively ending the match.
On a proper pitch, the home team’s tweakers took 17 wickets, while pacers Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson tormented India’s top order and scored runs from Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, Tom Latham, and Will Young.
Because of Dravid’s admiration, sporting wickets with a little bit of everything will be the model for future wickets rather than something diabolical.
