Grey clouds surmount over Kolkata ODI

After the 26-run loss in Chennai, Australia will be keen to come back in the series in Kolkata. But persistent rain in the city in the lead-up to the game has put the ODI in doubt. Though the ground staff is working very hard to get the ground ready for the game which kicks off on Thursday, rain might have the final say in the game.

It rained on Monday afternoon which prompted the ground staff to keep the wicket under covers. The East Zone curator had said that because the wicket is under wraps, it will be on the slower side. The rains didn’t keep away on Tuesday and it canceled both sides outdoor net session. While the visitors had an indoor practice session, the home side had to cancel their session altogether.

The rain played spoilsport in the first game as well. While the Indians got to play the entire quota of 50 overs, showers in the innings break reduced Australia’s chase to just a 21-over affair. In the end, Australia fell short by 26 runs of their 164-run target. With the way things stand, the Kolkata ODI is set to be another rain-truncated game. The official Twitter handle of Cricket Australia posted a short video of the proceedings in Kolkata and said that they are keeping their fingers crossed ahead of the game.

Fingers crossed ahead of tomorrow's second #INDvAUS ODI! ? pic.twitter.com/usyoezU6I8

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) September 20, 2017

The President of CAB Sourav Ganguly sounded positive about getting the ground ready for the game because of the new efficient drainage system. Rain has been forecasted for Thursday as well much to the dismay of the crowds.

India played brilliantly to recover from a peculiar position of 87 for 5 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. They have been in outstanding form of late, winning 11 international games on the bounce. Kohli’s men are wary of Australia’s ability of bouncing back in the series and will have placed plans for the visitors.