Vadodara pitch could help bowlers initially

Vadodara:

The pitch being prepared for first one-day international between India and Australia, scheduled for Sunday at the Reliance Stadium here, could help bowlers in the first hour of the match, according to sources involved in the preparation of the track.

"It should be a good track to bat on. But there could be help to the bowlers in the first hour as there is a likelihood of some moisture being retained by the clay content of the soil," they indicated.

"The match is to start at 0900 IST before the sun dries up the pitch," they added.

The pitch had a greenish tinge, which is expected to change on Saturday after another round of mowing that has been scheduled while the outfield looked lush green.

The last time these two teams - ranked number one and two by the International Cricket Council currently - met at this venue, Australian bowlers, led by left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson, had routed the home team for 148 inside 40 overs.

Johnson had taken five for 26 and Brett Lee two for 42.

Australia went on to win the contest held on October 11, 2007 by nine wickets. Only Sachin Tendulkar could make some impression with a knock of 47.

While the Indian team had an extended session of practice on Friday lasting for around three hours, the Australian squad opted to do their practice in Mumbai.

The visitors are scheduled to arrive here late this evening.