India Vs Australia Second ODI - Preview

After a wash-out at Bangalore which resulted in only 2.4 overs being bowled in the Indian Innings, things don't seem to be getting much better for the second match at Kochi. Kochi has been receiving some rain for the past few days and the prediction for tomorrow isn't much better. Lets keep our fingers crossed that we at least get a result tomorrow if not a complete 50 over game.

Kochi traditionally has been a batsman's paradise. A vivid memory I have when it comes to Kochi is Herschelle Gibbs and Gary Kirsten tearing apart the Indian bowlers, literally ending young Thiru Kumaran's career. The average first innings score on the ground is 264 runs and even targets in excess of 300 have been chased down. So it should be win the toss and bat first normally. But seeing the threat of rains it would be interesting to see what the captains do.. Most captains like to chase down targets in rain-affected matches.. Also this ground holds a special memory for Sachin Tendulkar as both of his five-wicket hauls in ODIs have been at this ground -once against Australia in 98, the year in which he could literally do nothing wrong and one more time against Pakistan in 2005.

I am sure India must have forgotten the Twenty20 success by now and be right back to ground after the scare they got in the last match. They must be eager to prove that the success they had last week was not a flash in the pan. Aussies meanwhile I am sure must be eager to get one back after the semi-final defeat at Twenty20 World Cup and their confidence must be high after the last match. As far as team news goes, Ganguly will sit out tomorrow after the hamstring injury he sustained in the first ODI. That should provide either Dinesh Karthik or Rohit Sharma a chance to play.. Ponting is almost certain to play tomorrow's match.

All in all should be a fast-scoring exciting match. Lets hope the rain-gods decide to stay away tommorow...