Mumbai, April 16:

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is investigating the wicket used in the final Test between India and South Africa in Kanpur, which was criticised following the tourists’ collapse, a top official said on Wednesday.

The dry, dusty pitch at the Green Park, described by South African coach Mickey Arthur as “a poor cricket wicket”, saw India win the match in three days on Sunday to draw the series 1-1.

Match referee Roshan Mahanama described it as sub-standard in his post-match report, forcing the ICC to demand an explanation from the Indian cricket board. “I can confirm the Kanpur wicket was reported by the match referee,” ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed told reporters in Mumbai.

The ICC could, as a last resort, ban Kanpur as a Test venue if it does not receive a convincing reply from the Indian board.