Cricket: Chemical spray to reduce dew on pitch

ICC's pitch curator Andy Atkinson (2nd R, standing) watches as Sri Lanka's coach Tom Moody (R) inspects the pitch in Mumbai. Picture / Reuters

MUMBAI, India - An attempt to reduce the impact of dew in day-night matches will be made during the New Zealand-Pakistan Champions Trophy Group B match in Mohali on Wednesday, the International Cricket Council said.

A chemical used in farming will be sprayed on the outfield before the match following the adhesive used to bind a Brabourne Stadium pitch last week.

"The chemical is not expected to eradicate dew completely, but it is hoped it will reduce it significantly," the sport's governing body said in a statement on Tuesday.

"And although dew has not played a major role in the Champions Trophy so far we are keen that should remain the case for the rest of the tournament and that every match should be a fair contest between bat and ball."

However, dew at three of the four venues and unpredictable pitches in Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium have raised concerns in the biennial competition.

On Tuesday, Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said after his side's defeat to South Africa that the dew factor had played on his mind.

"It's a concern for all and it is quite a challenge," he told reporters.

"It's a tough call for all," he said, referring to the dilemma a captain faces on what to choose when winning a toss.

"But we have played in dew in the past."

Last week Polyvinyl acetate, commonly used as adhesive for porous material, was sprayed on a Brabourne Stadium pitch during New Zealand's match against Sri Lanka in a bid to bind the surface together for the duration of the match.

- REUTERS