KINGSTON (JAMAICA): A controversy erupted ahead of the first cricket Test between India and the West Indies tomorrow with the visitors unhappy over the substandard practice pitches provided to them at the Sabina Park here.

India, already hit hard by injuries, were grumpy over the practice facilities as they found out that two of the three pitches provided to them were dangerous for batsmen as it had variable bounce.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his boys could not have a proper work out yesterday at the nets as two of the three pitches provided were found to be two-paced.

The two pitches not used yesterday had become powdery and the top surface had loosened up considerably after the Indians had an intense work-out on Friday. Consequently, a few deliveries kept low while others reared up disconcertingly.

Opener Murali Vijay was hit on his right forefinger by a local fast bowler on the nets on Friday and after viewing the two practice pitches, the Indian team decided not to use local net bowlers at all yesterday.

Only one batting net was used yesterday and the other two were only availed for throw-downs by members of the Indian squad, notably by bowling coach Eric Simmons and computer analyst Digvijay.

Even these throw-downs were not without inherent danger as the other opener designated for the Test, Abhinav Mukund was twice hit on shoulders by deliveries which reared up dangerously.


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