June 11, 2025 - The Indian team, preparing for the five-match Test series against England, is practising at the Beckenham ground in Kent. From June 13, the Indian team will play an intra-squad match against India 'A' on this ground. Traditionally, the pitch at Beckenham is known to help batsmen. However, this time, efforts have been made to make it challenging for bowlers as well.

The Beckenham pitch may look flat from the top, but there are different layers prepared underneath to match the challenge of playing Test cricket in England. Beckenham’s chief curator, Josh Marden, said the pitch here is usually very flat in white-ball matches and suits the batsmen. But for the Indian team, extra grass has been left on the pitch to help seam movement. He added that although the pitch may look brown from the top, there are chances for bowlers to get help if they hit the right areas.

Special Request to Curator

After the first day’s practice, the Indian coaching staff asked the curator for a more match-like pitch. Gautam Gambhir and his team said they wanted a surface that was neither too flat nor too green - one that would help both batsmen and bowlers get the full benefit of practice.

Upgraded Practice Facilities

In response, the ground staff adjusted the grass cover on the pitch, widened the nets and left extra space for the run-up. In India, nets are usually 8-10 feet wide, but in England they are often only six feet. At Beckenham, the nets were set to eight feet so both batsmen and bowlers could practice their natural game.

Favourable Weather, Moisture Control

London has seen less rain recently, making it easier to keep the pitch moist. Marden explained that they use flat covers to hold in moisture and preserve seam movement. Though the surface looks green this season, its true challenge lies beneath.

Sun-Smart Pitch Orientation

The Beckenham pitch runs north-south so the sun never shines directly into the eyes of batsmen or bowlers during long practice sessions. This allows players to bat long innings and bowl long spells without glare.

Balanced Focus

This time, the team is not just working on batting or scoring runs - they are giving bowlers equal time. They need a pitch where bowlers can take wickets with good deliveries and batsmen can score off loose balls.