High security for India-Australia Kochi one-dayer

KOCHI - The recently refurbished Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium here that will host the first one-day international cricket match between India and Australia Oct 17 will see foolproof security, police said Tuesday.

Inspector General of Police B. Sandhya visited the stadium Tuesday and said that the security cover would be fool proof.

The security would be taken care by 100 commandos and a 2,500 other policemen. Starting Tuesday, the stadium will be inspected by the dog and bomb squads daily, he said.

A record 32 closed circuit cameras have also been installed in the stadium.

This is the only stadium that hosts international cricket matches in Kerala. It was recently refurbished at a cost of Rs.10 crore.

The stadium, which has a capacity to seat 50,000, has got a new turf, a new cover over the stands and new chairs.

The Australian team is arriving Oct 14 while the arrival date of the Indian team is not yet known. Both teams would be staying at the Taj Malabar Hotel, near here. A total of 50 commandos would be deployed for the security of the two teams.

The upcoming match is the third clash between India and Australia here.

Officials said ticket sales are picking up and Monday tickets worth Rs.30 lakh were sold.

The pitch, according to experts, is going to be a batting wicket and an average score of more than 275 in an inning is expected.