First of new 'drop-in' pitches placed at 'redeveloped' Adelaide Oval ahead of return Ashes

Sydney, Sept 26 (ANI): The first of the 30-tonne drop-in pitches for the re-development of the Adelaide Oval stadium in Australia was reportedly placed on Wednesday, ahead of the return Ashes series. The pitches were dropped on a 30-metre, 400,000 dollar-worth transporter designed especially for use at Adelaide Oval, with eight to be placed by Friday in the stadium's new centre square. According to News.com.au, the requirements of a multi-purpose stadium with the coming of football led Adelaide to bring in drop-in pitches, which can be moved in and out on the transporter when required. With the venue to be reportedly made ready for the second Ashes Test between Australia and England at Adelaide Oval starting on December 5, special turf will be laid in three weeks around the pitches ahead of the November 13 Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and Western Australia. Adelaide pitches usually provide early movement for pacemen, ideal batting for days one to four before offering spinners encouragement on day five of Test matches. Meanwhile, the eight drop-in pitches have been housed in the Adelaide No. 2 ground nursery adjacent to the main stadium and are being placed this afternoon, the report added. (ANI)