Rain threat looms over ODI series opener at Kochi

Kochi: The threat of rain looms large over the first ODI of the five-match series even as Indian and West Indies cricketers started to arrive in batches for the day-night encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium here Wednesday.
The meteorological department has forecast scattered rain in Kerala for the next two days and also added that it would be fairly widespread. But putting on a brave face, TC Mathew, president of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA), said that the cricket body was well prepared to handle any such situation.
Mathew said there was nothing to worry as the stadium has an excellent drainage system.
“In two hours time the ground can be made ready, so that’s not a worrying factor. Barring the rain, each and every aspect has been taken care of. Ticket sales are fine but it’s not like the previous match, when sales were brisk. Maybe the absence of explosive batsman Chris Gayle is the reason” said Mathew.
Wednesday’s match would be the 10th ODI in Kochi since the first match in 1998. The ground has been a happy hunting ground for India, who have won six, lost two.
“We expect the pitch to be both good for batting and pace, but then all depends on the rain. It could be a cracker of a contest,” added Mathew.
West Indies Skipper D Bravo and A Russel arrived here today noon while the other team members would be landing at the Nedumbassery Airport tomorrow from Mumbai by Indigo Airlines.
Indian team Assistant CoachSanjay Bangar, Manager Kapil Malhotra, Logistics Manager S Parag, Physio Amit Shah also arrived in the city today.
While Indian players like Virat Kohli, Muhammed Shami, A Rahane, A Rayundu, S Dhawan and B Kumar would be arriving here tomorrow by Jet Airways.
After arriving in the city Bravo said he was happy to be in Kochi again.(ians)