Sun Feb 09 18:09:40 UTC 2025: ## Barabati Stadium Pitch Boasts 2023 World Cup Soil, Slows Down Play in India-England ODI
**Cuttack, India:** The second ODI between India and England at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack saw a slow pitch, prompting commentary from former cricketer Akash Chopra. Chopra revealed that the pitch utilizes soil from the 2023 Cricket World Cup. While the World Cup matches weren’t held in Cuttack, the stadium’s pitch was constructed using the same soil employed in the tournament.
The slow nature of the pitch was evident early on, with Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami’s deliveries reaching the keeper after taking two bounces. This prompted differing reactions from the two captains. Indian captain Rohit Sharma described the pitch as “black soil” and expected slower play. England captain Jos Buttler, who won the toss and opted to bat first, noted the dry, black soil but still considered it a good wicket.
Team India fielded only two specialist fast bowlers – Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana – with Hardik Pandya providing all-round support. Conversely, England included four fast bowlers: Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, and Saqib Mahmood, along with a single specialist spinner, Adil Rashid. The match continues. A separate report highlights Australia’s dominant 9-wicket victory in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
First Piper 