The pitch, laid in 1972, has never been relaid a fact known to few and one that draws frowns from the aficionado.

Commenting on the rectangle that has a layered foundation going three-feet deep is former Indian skipper Chandu Borde, entrusted with the job of overseeing preparing the pitch for the match. Borde, said: ``No, it has not been touched since inception and there has been no need to.''

The stadium, built in 1969, held the match against the touring Australians. Renovation and modification have taken place over a period of time. New stands have been constructed at the Tilak Road end prior to the 1996 World Cup tie between the West Indies and Kenya. Subsequent changes have enhanced the venue. At the moment, intense efforts by the Pune Municipal Corporation are on to give the outfield a distinguished look.

The wicket, however, first prepared in 1972, save minor cosmetics changes now and then, has never been re-laid. Groundsman Kashiram Laxman Tole, taking over from Ganapatrao whose father Laxmanrao laid the track, has been tending to the strip for the past 27 years. ``It consists of four layers stones at the bottom, then gravel, sand and the mud. ``To relay it would cost the MCA quite a bit,'' says Tole.

One fan quipped, ``The only way the wicket could be re-laid would be the invasion by the Shiv Sainiks!''

Nevertheless, Borde along with Waman Lele, the curator, are of the opinion that the wicket will be full of runs as usual. ``The ball would race to the fence if the batsmen apply themselves on this placid wicket,'' said Borde.

The Nehru track described as a `batsman's paradise' is likely to influence a crucial game. Victory here could assure a passage to the April 4 Bangalore final.

Meanwhile, police are posted round the clock to guard the wicket. Fans lined-up early morning to book their coveted tickets. Some even slept overnight around the booking window. Sales started at 9 a.m. and by noon half the tickets were sold out.

All tickets priced Rs 100 (8,000 in all) have been sold out, according to an MCA official. ``Only 1,000 tickets priced at Rs 200, and a couple of hundred tickets of Rs 700 and Rs 2,000 each are unsold, so far,'' added the official.