Cracker of a contest expected as India-Australia clash in ODIs

KOCHI - With the sun coming out in all its splendour, contrary to the prediction of rain, the One-day series between India and Australia is all set for a cracking start at the Jawaharlal Nehru International stadium here Sunday.

After Thursday’s heavy rain which turned the ground into a muddy pool, the blazing sun has helped the drying of the wet outfield. Besides, three super soakers and more than a hundred labourers are toiling hard to make the ground ready for the ODI.

The two teams are scheduled to have a light work out at an indoor stadium near here in the afternoon, if they are unable to have a work out at the ground.

Australia would be eyeing revenge after India beat the visitors 2-0 in the intensely fought Test series.

Australian captain Michael Clarke admitted they will be under pressure because India is a strong side.

Clarke, however, said that in-form Tendulkar, who has been rested, missing from the series will be a boon for them.

“In the Test matches we lost to the No.1 team in the world. In the ODIs we will have to perform well,” said Clarke.

“It is good that Sachin (Tendulkar) is not playing but we are not taking the Indian team lightly. Doug Bollinger in injured and hence it is not decided if he will play.”

On his own form, Clarke said that he has done well in the ODIs in the recent past and expects to keep his performance going.

Clarke, when asked about media reports that Australian athletes went berserk in the Commonwealth Games Village, said if it is true then it is not good.

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said that since there is a packed schedule in the ODI calendar, it is good that some players get a rest.

“Once this happens then we get a chance to field new players because we are soon going to have the World Cup and this would be ideal to find new players as they get the exposure,” said Dhoni.

On why India under him has done well in Tests against Australia and not in the ODIs, he said in the recent years he has lost most of the tosses.

“The pitch condition is crucial and when a toss is lost, the other team puts up a big score and then to chase at times it becomes difficult,” said Dhoni.

The rival teams have rested their key players for this series.

Meanwhile, the security of the stadium has been taken over by IG of Police B. Sandhya and more than 2,500 police officials have been posted in and around the venue.

“It is not the stadium alone that has come under a security cover, instead the Kochi city itself is under close scrutiny by separate patrol units. The stadium has been divided into various sectors for combing. The anti-sabotage teams are also in place. We have made a plea to all that if they find any people moving around in a suspicious manner it should be reported to us,” said Sandhya.

This is the only cricket stadium in the state to host international matches and Sunday’s match is seventh in the last 12 years.