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Watch: The curious case of the Ranchi pitch

India vs Australia: It seems like a pitch that will not crumble that is if you go by what the curator has to say, if anything it will be on the slower side

After the Pune and the Bengaluru pitch which made headlines and in a way decided the fate of the match is again raised curiosity over the Ranchi pitch, where the third Test between India and Australia is being played. Earlier yesterday, Virat Kohli in a very sportsman-like manner played down the pitch and said that if Australia can bat well on the same pitch, there is no reason why we cannot. That is damn honest, Virat!

In the video, you will see Sanjay Manjrekar take us through the pitch and say that yes it will be on the slower side. It seems like a pitch that will not crumble that is if you go by what the curator has to say, if anything it will be on the slower side. Steven Smith earlier said it looks like “rolled mud”. But going by the curator’s word it seems like the pitch will not break up totally like it did in Pune and became unplayable.

Some commentators thought otherwise, Laxman said, getting to 200 would be great, even Matthew Hayden seemed to second that.

Condemning a pitch before a ball has been bowled is like sentencing a person before a hearing.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 16, 2017

Getting in the zone #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/NMfVmFk9Rb

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 16, 2017

For Virat Kohli, it seems the pitch or the toss are inconsequential.

These are visuals of the the Indian team leaving for the stadium from their hotel room in Ranchi for the big Test match.

Steve Smith wins the toss and Australia will bat first in Ranchi #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/DGVWorkIjX

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 16, 2017

Also watch the home captain and the crowd favourite Virat Kohli flick the coin at the toss, which was won by Australia and without a doubt opted to bat first.