By Abhishek Roy, IANS
Kochi : The incessant rain in this port city has put the Australians in a holiday mood ahead of their second one-day international (ODI) here Tuesday against India in the seven-match Future Cup series.
“It’s tricky situation here. And if there is a match, it would be difficult to switch on from the holiday mood,” stand-in Australian captain Adam Gilchrist told media persons here Monday.
It has been raining heavily here for the past week and with more showers forecast by the meteorological office, the second ODI at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here could very well end up being a non-starter.
The first day-and-night affair in Bangalore was washed out after more than three hours of play was lost due to a downpour soon after India began chasing the target Australia put before them. The umpires had to abandon the match due to a wet outfield.
“It is a frustrating situation for both teams. All we can do is to adapt to the situation,” said Gilchrist.
The Australian captain lauded the efforts of the ground staff, saying: “They are working very hard. But the outfield is still very heavy. I think we could still play a few overs.”
Australian captain Ricky Ponting is still doubtful for the second ODI and Gilchrist said: “Ricky will surely have a chance but we have to just wait and see.”
Ponting missed the first game due to a hamstring injury that he suffered while batting against Pakistan in a Group F Super 8s match in the Twenty20 World Championships.
“When Ricky Ponting is not available, you miss the best batsman in the world. It is a frustrating situation but with all respect to Ricky, I don’t think the team is unstable,” said Gilchrist.
When asked whether the younger players in the side will be rotated in the remaining five ODIs if the second match is abandoned, Gilchrist said: “A few young guys may not be in the first eleven. They have already been tested and have done well.”