Rain looms large over series opener at Rose Bowl

[King]

Intermittent showers have been forecast for today More... Rain looms large over series opener at Rose Bowl S. Dinakar Intermittent showers have been forecast for today — Photo: AP RARING TO GO: Sachin Tendulkar, along with Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid, will look to provide a winning start for India in the one-day series. Southampton: Finally, at around 2 p.m. local time, the sun pierced the clouds. The picturesque Rose Bowl was bathed in brilliant light. This, from a cricketing perspective, was good news although intermittent showers have been forecast for Tuesday when the seven-match NatWest ODI series kicks off with a day/night game here. There will invariably be a measure of assistance for the pacemen in these conditions, but the light brown pitch — largely bereft of grass — could encourage strokeplay. Rahul Dravid walked back smiling after having a rather close look at the surface. “It should be good for batting,” the Indian skipper said. Winning infuses teams with higher energy levels and the Indians were buzzing during the practice session. Dravid’s men now need to sustain the momentum as the contest against England moves to another format. The Indians are aware of the Andrew Flintoff factor in the ODI series. Flintoff is back after a third ankle surgery and appears to be hungry for wickets and runs. The big man intends bowling at full clip — “I could have bowled at 75 per cent of my pace without another surgery,” he said — and this suggests that the Indian batsmen could receive toe-crushers at around 90 miles an hour apart from having to cope with deliveries that climb awkwardly. The all-rounder, who is working on his front-foot landing, to be more precise, the angle of his left ankle, will provide both relief and cutting edge to an English attack, now hit by another injury. Sidebottom ruled out Impressive left-arm paceman Ryan Sidebottom has been ruled out of the contest with a side strain. The host could miss Sidebottom’s control and craft. Sidebottom’s absence could open up a slot for Stuart Broad, whom the English team-management is keen to groom as a multi-dimensional cricketer. England captain Paul Collingwood rightly stressed upon the need to develop the side. In Flintoff, Kevin Pietersen and the skipper, the side has match-winners. Others, however, have been lacking in consistency. Ravi Bopara could be an exception though. Fitness concerns kept this batting all-rounder from the series against the West Indies, but Bopara has been welcomed back. He can hold his nerve and pick his spots on the field in the end overs. However, all things considered, India has greater balance and firepower. England’s best chance could lie in making early inroads and then pegging India back. The role of the openers and the number three assumes significance. India is likely to open with Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, a right-left combination of experience and runs. The duo, as Dravid pointed out, combined well in the triumpant campaign against South Africa in Belfast and is expected to continue in the role here. After his successes a Test opener, and one who is willing to launch into his shots, Dinesh Karthik could be asked to bat at No. 3 although the team-management could, eventually, give Gautam Gambhir one more opportunity at this slot. PowerPlays crucial While it is crucial to deny England early breakthroughs, it is also important to utilise the PowerPlay overs. The team-management has been striving to strike a balance. Dravid seeks runs while Yuvraj Singh returns to a form of the game where he can influence matches. In Belfast, he played the role of a finisher to perfection. Zaheer Khan, now bowling at the peak of his ability, Rudra Pratap Singh and Ajit Agarkar should comprise the pace pack. Munaf Patel, coming back from injury, could not quite find his rhythm in the lead-up games, which is only to be expected after a lengthy lay-off. Off-spinner Ramesh Powar could be the lone spinner — recent form points to him — although leg-spinner Piyush Chawla turned games around for India in Belfast. England has bowling worries. James Anderson can swing and strike, but can so easily go off the boil. Stuart Broad and Chris Tremlett lack experience and the latter’s length could be a touch predictable in one-dayers. Predictably for the host, much hinges on Flintoff. It would be interesting how Monty Panesar bowls at the Indian batsmen in the middle overs, where the game can witness momentum shifts. The teams (from): India: Rahul Dravid (captain), Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Gautam Gambhir, Dinesh Karthik, Yuvraj Singh, M.S. Dhoni, Ajit Agarkar, Ramesh Powar, Zaheer Khan, R.P. Singh, Piyush Chawla, Robin Uthappa, Rohit Sharma and Munaf Patel. England: Paul Collingwood (captain), Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Owais Shah, Andrew Flintoff, Ravi Bopara, Matthew Prior, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Monty Panesar, James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Tremlett. Hours of play (IST): 7 to 10.30 p.m. and 11.15 p.m. onwards. Umpires: Billy Doctrove & Mark Benson. Third umpire: Nigel Long. Match referee: Roshan Mahanama.

[King]

Uthappa and Gambhir both have looked pretty good so far. I reckon they should go with Uthappa for this one, he hit some lusty blows in the last couple of games. Just in case Ganguly or Tendulkar adopt a anchor role Uthappa can come and throw the kitchen sink.

[Dravid]

any idea who will openfor india?

[King]

Ganguly and Tendulkar will open with Gambhir or Uthappa coming at no.3

[Dravid]

hope its uttappa bowling , i hope its khan aggy RP chawla

[Gaurav]

I hate all this rain BS! I want cricket stadiums with roof!

[The Outsider]

I hate all this rain BS! I want cricket stadiums with roof!

Apne clients ko bol yaar project sponsor karne ke liye. Translation : Ask your clients to sponsor the project.

[varun]

Apne clients ko bol yaar project sponsor karne ke liye. Translation : Ask your clients to sponsor the project.

GKD chattein banata hai kya ? (translation : Is GKD a roofer ?) :cantstop:

[talksport]

Rain stopped play ... ( translation: Get some work done)

[King Tendulkar]

Disagree forcast is for no showers. I predict we will get a game in:D