India vs Australia | Kolkata ODI likely to be affected by rain

The second ODI between India and Australia that is to be held at Eden Gardens on Thursday could see intermittent showers interrupting the game yet again. The Aussies will be especially wary of the conditions as a rain-marred game spoiled their chances of an easy win in the last ODI.

Kolkata has been experiencing late evening showers recently and the weathermen haven't ruled out such possibilities during this game as well, although they remain hopeful that the game wouldn’t be long influenced by it.

Kolkata Met director Ganesh Das has stated the circulation over South Bengal as the main reason for the rain but expects it to occur for a short term on Thursday. “By September 21, the circulation will be gone but in this month rain is a possibility especially in the evening. It may not, however, continue for too long."  

Australia are behind in the five-match ODI series 1-0 after India won the last game by 26 runs. After the Men in Blues put up a gettable target of 282 in 50 overs, prolonged rain interruptions saw it being reduced to 164 in 21 overs. Steve Smith and his men needed to play more like a T20 format to achieve it, but dismissals at regular intervals saw them managing only 137 in 21 overs.

However, with the natural conditions out of their hands, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has made sure that the game gets a sporting track for both sides to compete. Eden Gardens is hosting Australia for the first time since November 18, 2003, and they are not going to take any chances.

CAB pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee, said, “The pitch and ground conditions is just perfect. It's an ideal condition what's required for a One-Day International contest… Who would have thought India to score 281/7 from being five down for 87 in the 22nd over? I cannot say they will make how many runs but the wicket will help both batsmen and bowlers.”

He further clarified that CAB has all the needed requirements to cope with rain if and when it happens. “We are equipped to cover the entire ground and there is enough machinery to clear up even if it rains but it depends on the intensity and duration,” he added.