India v Australia: Heavy rain threatens a washout in Kolkata

The second ODI between India and Australia is under the threat of being washed out due to persistent rains in Kolkata. The Eden Gardens is set to host the match on Thursday amidst questions over the preparations of the surface. India leads the 5-match series 1-0 after their win over the visitors by 26 runs by Duckworth Lewis Stern (DLS) method in Chennai.

The first match too also interrupted by the rain gods after the end of the first innings when India amassed 281/7 in their 50 overs. The match was shortened to 21 overs a side and the play only started 5 minutes before the cutoff time after which the match would have been called-off. Thankfully, rain relented and the game was completed.

Hardik Pandya was the hero for India as he scored a match-winning 83 off 66 deliveries and took 2 crucial wickets with the ball. He was very well supported by MS Dhoni as he stacked up 79 off 87 balls, his third match-saving innings in 5 matches.

Steve Smith arrives at Eden

Both the teams arrived in Kolkata amidst high security on Monday. The fans had gathered outside the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to welcome their heroes in the city of joy. As the Indian players boarded the team bus, there were loud cheers. But the teams were welcomed by heavy rains across the city. Few Australian players including the skipper Steve Smith arrived at the Eden Gardens as well to have a look at the stadium but it was fully covered due to persistent rains.

The Eden Gardens has a crowd capacity of over 66000 and if the rain gods allow, we may well see a full house as India take on Australia. The weather forecast though suggests it may pour on Thursday. As of now, there has been rainfall but with a colossal drainage system at work on the ground, we might see some cricket on the day.

Aussie captain @stevesmith49 welcomed at Eden Gardens with covers all over the ground. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/iO4CeXTXGa

— Debasis Sen (@debasissen) September 19, 2017