World Cup: Pitch comes in focus as India take on England

The Indian cricket team, including captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid, spent time inspecting the pitch in Lucknow ahead of their match against England. The pitch has been a subject of concern in the past, with Hardik Pandya calling it a “shocker” earlier this year. India will be hoping for consistent bounce and run-scoring opportunities on the red soil surface. The absence of Pandya means India may have to drop either Mohammed Shami or Mohammed Siraj to accommodate an extra spinner.