VCA Stadium, Nagpur Pitch Report: Spin-friendly conditions expected for India vs England 1st ODI

Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur will host an ODI match after nearly 6 years. While bilateral series’ have lost their charm a bit in the last couple of years, the India vs. England ODI series is highly important. With the ICC Champions Trophy approaching, the 3-match series will serve as perfect preparation for both teams.

England will play their group stage matches at the ICC Champions Trophy in Lahore and Karachi, while Team India’s fixtures (both group and knockout stage) are scheduled in Dubai. Taking this into perspective, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would want a slow and spinning pitch at the VCA Stadium.

Yesterday (February 4), Team India added Varun Chakaravarthy to their squad for the ODI series. This would suggest they expect a spin-friendly surface in Nagpur and the ICC Champions Trophy. The Men in Blue already had four spinners in the team, yet they have added yet another spinner. This should tell you everything about the surface at the VCA Stadium.

A VCA official had also revealed that sort of pitch will be rolled out. Spinners are expected to be in the game more in the second half. That means batting first will be advised. Grass on the pitch will be shaved off before the India vs. England 1st ODI starts. Also, the pitch will aid batters as well.

Bat or bowl first after winning the toss at the VCA Stadium?

The pitch is expected to be a “300-plus wicket,” according to the VCA official. It might just be a good surface to bat on throughout the 100 overs, but spinners will come more into play as the match progresses. So what should Rohit Sharma or Jos Buttler do if they win the toss? Bat first and defend your total with the help of spinners.

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VCA Stadium FAQs:

India’s record at VCA Stadium

The Men in Blue have won four of the six matches they have played.

What is VCA Stadium’s average score while batting first in ODIs?

From 2009 to 2019, justnine matches have been played at this venue. The average score while batting first here is 288.

What is the highest ODI total at the VCA stadium?

Team India set the record for the highest ODI total in Nagpur. In the first 50-over match played at the venue, the Men in Blue scored 354/7 while batting first against Australia in 2009 and won by 99 runs.

Record while batting first in Nagpur Stadium

There is a 33% winning record for teams batting first at the VCA Stadium. Just three of the nine matches have been won by the side defending a total.