Dew counters have positive effect at ICC Champions Trophy

The ICC believes the measures used to counter dew both before and during New Zealand's ICC Champions Trophy match against Pakistan in Mohali on Wednesday had a positive effect.

The measures included spraying the outfield on the morning of the match with wetting agent APSA-80, ensuring the outfield was not watered on the day of a match and cutting it shorter to reduce the amount of grass available for dew to cling to.

The ground was also mopped at regular intervals during Pakistan's run-chase and the ball was changed whenever the umpires felt its condition could represent a disadvantage to the fielding side.

David Richardson, ICC's Manager - Cricket, said: "We have spoken to Punjab Cricket Association officials, including the head curator Mr Daljit Singh, and the universal opinion is that measures used on Wednesday had a positive effect.

"And although the dew was not eradicated, Mr Singh told us he believed the spraying of the outfield definitely delayed its onset.

"And he also said he noticed a marked improvement in the condition of the ground after the match with less evidence of the turf being scarred on the bowlers' run-ups, a tell-tale sign that the ground was damp."

Mr Richardson said the methods used to ensure conditions remain fair for the bowling side in the second innings of the match would be further refined when Pakistan plays South Africa at the same venue on Friday.

"Mr Daljit Singh has enlisted the help of experts not only from Amway, the manufacturers of APSA-80, but also from Aamby Valley City golf course near Pune, which has led the way in its attempts to counter the negative effects of dew on sport.

"They will discuss possible refinements in the application of the wetting agent.

"In addition, hessian fabric will be used to absorb moisture on the ground when any mopping up is done and we are reducing the interval between innings from 45 to 30 minutes in all future matches in Mohali to increase the amount of cricket that is possible before dew really starts to settle.

"The fact New Zealand won the match on Wednesday indicates Stephen Fleming's side was not disadvantaged to too great an extent by bowling second.

"And we hope that further refinement of the methods we employed then will ensure the contest between bat and ball remains an even one in Mohali as the ICC Champions Trophy moves to what we all hope will be a thrilling climax."