The International Cricket Council (ICC) has given below average rating to the pitch used in the opening test match between India and West Indies and raised concerns about the quality of the pitch at Windsor Park in Roseau, Dominica. Former New Zealand captain Jeff Crowe was the official match referee for the match.The particular pitch was difficult for both teams, making it a divisive issue in the cricket community. The Windsor Park pitch gained criticism for its slow and turning nature, as West Indies pitches are known for swinging conditions for the game.ICC rated India vs West Indies Test series pitches in West Indies 2023:•1st Test match at Windsor Park Dominica pitch – Below Average.•2nd Test match at Port of Spain pitch – Average. pic.twitter.com/zUAjTi5iMV— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) September 9, 2023 Demarit point for the venueIn context of the below average rating, the venue will receive one point from ICC. This evaluation means that the pitch did not meet the expected standards set by the ICC, raising concerns about its suitability for Test cricket. Cricket West Indies will have the option to appeal against this verdict, and local venue authorities will need to provide an explanation to the ICC regarding why the pitch fell below standard.Indias dominant performanceThe opening game saw India bundle out the home team for a mere 150 runs, with Indian spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, the star performer, scalping four wickets and Ravindra Jadeja claiming three important wickets, combining to scalp nine wickets. In response, India posted a formidable 421 for the loss of five wickets before declaring their innings. The West Indies struggled once again in the second inning, managing just 130 runs in 50.3 overs. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma played solid innings, scoring 171 and 103, respectively.In the second innings, Ashwin took seven wickets for 71, giving him a total of 12 for the match. The test was over in three days, demonstrating how difficult the pitch was.Also, the second Test pitch at the Queens Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, has received an average rating, which ended in a rain-marred draw.
