For those who are unaware, Andy Flower claimed in an interview with ESPNcricinfo that the field was inappropriate for holding an international match and harshly criticised it following the game. The former cricket player said that the circumstances were almost dangerous, citing examples of unpredictable ball behaviour, such as the ball staying low, which made life very difficult for middle-order hitters.
Numerous cricket commentators have expressed concern over the 34,000-seat venue at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Experts have expressed a great deal of disapproval over the strange surface at the location, particularly in light of the decision to use a drop-in field to host T20 World Cup 2024 matches.
The warm-up match between Bangladesh and India became the venue’s first-ever professional match, albeit an unauthorised one. There have been a few games held at the Nassau site as of June 6. In the match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, the latter was bowled out for just 77 runs, while the former needed 16 overs to recover. The same thing happened the next day when Ireland’s batsmen played India and were bowled out just short of a three-figure score. Though they were able to successfully chase down the target, the opposing hitters likewise struggled with determining the line and lengths.
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“Playing an international match on that surface is not recommended. That almost seems risky. The ball was bouncing abnormally high and hitting individuals on the thumb, gloves, and helmet, making life difficult for any batter. You also noticed it occasionally slipping down, according to Andy Flower.
After the India-Ireland game’s first innings ended, former England captain Michael Vaughan made some comments on X. Flower’s commentary. Vaughan praised the organisers for taking the admirable step of promoting cricket in the United States. But Vaughan objected to the choice of giving associate nations with less experience difficult playing conditions. After enduring multiple setbacks and triumphs to earn a spot in the prestigious event, Vaughan thought it was unfair for these teams to play under such circumstances.
Trying to sell the game in the states is great .. love it .. but for players to have to play on this sub standard surface in New York is unacceptable .. You work so hard to make it to the WC then have to play on this .. #INDvIRE
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 5, 2024
India
