Pitch preparation is going on in full swing at Eden Gardens for the ODI World Cup, which is just about three months away.

The tournament proper gets underway on October 5 with Eden hosting its first match on October 28 when Bangladesh take on a qualifier.

The Eden pitch and outfield, chosen as the best in the IPL for the third year in a row — jointly with Mumbai’s Wankhede this time, has been an added motivation for the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) groundstaff.

Work began on June 30, soon after the conclusion of the CAB Junior U-18 Invitational tournament. “The pitch is being prepared afresh, just as it’s done at the end of every season.

“But this time, we obviously have to be extra careful and do an even better job,” curator Sujan Mukherjee told The Telegraph on Monday.

Work underway on preparing the Eden pitch. Pictures courtesy CAB

Besides the India-South Africa clash, four other matches of this World Cup, including two of Pakistan (against Bangladesh and England) and one semi-final, have been slotted at the Eden.

“Just as it has been of late, you’ll again see wickets having firm bounce and nice carry. The quicks will enjoy bowling here. And of course, it will aid strokeplay as well,” Mukherjee said.

So far, dust particles and the dead grass content have been removed from the pitches, which await top-dressing. Fresh soil will also be put in small amounts as it helps in the growth of the grass.

“With the amount of rolling the pitch undergoes, it takes a toll on the soil at the end of the season. What fresh soil does is level the pitch while adding freshness,” Mukherjee said.

The process of coring (the outfield), which began on Sunday, was completed on Monday.

“Coring provides oxygen to the grass and helps in its growth,” Mukherjee added.

“What also helped was minimal rain over the last few days. Thankfully, we could finish it fast. Otherwise, it would’ve slowed down the proceedings.”

Spectators will also get to see a new design of the Eden outfield. Whether it will resemble that of Lord’s or the Melbourne Cricket Ground or some other venue is yet to be finalised, but the focus will be on keeping it “plain and simple”. “Such a design is in our plans, but the main focus is on the pitch,” Mukherjee said.

The entire process is likely to end by September end.

The Eden is also expected to get two new super-soppers from Australia.