21.   By law, campaigning is banned the day before balloting, meaning the last rallies and pitches had to be squeezed in Friday.

22.   But the pitch has no grass, nor do the fields in Kaduna, Enugu and Ibadan, cities where other matches are planned.

23.   Given that the pitch may still have the last laugh, Australia looks the more likely to go one up in this three-Test series.

24.   The pitch had an uneven bounce.

25.   The pitch has a green tinge and the rain should ensure a lively opening to the first test in the two-match series.

26.   The pitch has a mottled appearance and New Zealand selection panel convenor Ross Dykes is understood to have voiced some concern over its condition.

27.   In the morning, Azharuddin and Jadeja batted responsibly to ensure that the seam attack did not exploit any freshness the pitch had to offer.

28.   Instead, Italy decided to train at nearby Rocca Priora - only to find that the pitch did not have any rugby posts and no improvised solution proved possible.

29.   The Kensington pitch had the reputation of offering much to the bowlers.