1996 pitch was a mine field. Batting second is not easy that too chasing 250+
remember, there is no two ball theory and second power play etc. SL batted on a comparatively flat wicket and scored 250+ which was a winning total by any standards in 90s. Has the pitch stayed true, or had they prepared a proper sporting wicket, match would have been a close encounter.
2023 pitch, to start with it’s a dead slow wicket and our batsman was not prepared. We didn’t expect such a slow wicket and the expressions of audience is a clear evidence. Then how come Aussies bat freely ? Under lights ball came on to the bat and Aussie batsman don’t have score board pressure.
who is Incharge of preparing wickets ? On paper it’s ICC, but we all know BCCI will have its say. The administrative heads who don’t have cricket background make these decisions I suspect!