Teams keen on action after Kochi no-show
Visakhapatnam, Oct. 19: The good news first. The sun shone on Tuesday, eve of the second ODI between India and Australia over the scenic Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium with the two teams eager to get some action in the middle after the no-show at Kochi.
With its lush green stretches, the stadium is a welcome change from the concrete architecture that one sees in various other venues across the country. But the beauty of the ground could in no time turn ugly for the bowlers who would bear the brunt, with the wicket looking flat and full of runs.
The hosts enjoy a 100 per cent success record at this venue. With the batsmen forecast to hit a purple patch on this pitch, the bowling attack of both teams stand to be be severely tested.
The Indians are likely to have Ashish Nehra and Praveen Kumar leading the attack before the spinners and part-timers come into the picture. With biggies such as Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting rested, the series is a golden opportunity for upcoming prospects on both sides to test-drive their bench strength before the World Cup in 2011.
But the man who would want to erase his lean patch will be none other Yuvraj Singh. The off-colour southpaw was not part of the Asia Cup this year and failed to make it to Test squad against Australia early this month.
Yuvraj, who hit an unbeaten 95 the last time India played here (against Sri Lanka) will want to do nothing less than better that effort. Another left-hander, Shikhar Dhawan who may play his first ODI would want to start off on a positive note too. The middle-order will have Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma looking to cement their places in the side.
However, all eyes will be on Ravindra Jadeja who continues to surprise many with his presence in the side, despite having scored at 31.47 in his 34 ODI outings and a shoddy bowling average of 41.55.
Australia, sans Punter, Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson will have their task cut out with opener David Warner and Shaun Marsh expected to start the fireworks. The middle-order will have the experienced Michaels (Hussey and Clarke) looking to have a long stint in the middle.
With Doug Bollinger still doubtful, Mitchell Starc could make his debut and the visitors could get the necessary arsenal to bounce out India.
Given his penchant for bowling the short stuff, the hosts could be on the back foot straightaway.
The dew factor too could come into play under the lights and it will be interesting to see the team tactics. Despite two depleted sides fighting for top honours, the level of competition could light up the first day-night one-dayer at this venue on Wednesday.
Post new comment