An unpredictable pitch awaits India at Edgbaston

Even though many football games have been called off keeping in mind the riots that have hit England, currently as things stand the 3rd Test will be played as per schedule at the Edgbaston Ground in Birmingham starting Wednesday. Though the pitch there is one that's hard to read at the moment, especially if you consider its controversial history.

Edgbaston has always been known to assist fast bowlers but in the last 12 months the stadium has seen a facelift which in turn has affected the playing conditions.

Just about two months ago, Warwickshire were docked 8 points for preparing a poor pitch for their county championship win over Worcestershire. Though the authorities insist that that was an aberration.

"I think it is very much a one off. I think it was on the edge of the square as well. So it was nowhere near the Test match strip. I will be very assured that the Test match strip is very much under control," James McLaughlin, Commercial Director, Edgbaston Cricket Ground, said.

A four-storey stand is a new addition to the ground. Even though it has helped accommodate more spectators into the stadium, what it also does is trap the wind inside rather than letting it float through the ground. This in turn does not affect swing bowling but assists reverse swinging.

Another thing that should make the Indian players happy is the relaid outfield. The loose sand underneath should help the slow bowlers extract some spin out of the track.

India have a very poor record playing at Edgbaston, never having won a Test here. Of the 5 they have played, they have managed to draw just 1. England, on the other hand, have a winning percentage of over 51 at this venue.

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