Heavy rains posed a threat to the holding of the fifth ODI match between India and Australia at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Saturday.
An Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) release said, “We deeply regret to mention that the sunny weather that we have been expecting has failed to come true. The ground is completely waterlogged and the chances of its drying up are extremely remote.”
It’s rained in Cuttack for five continuous days in the lead up to the match, and the forecast for Saturday is similar. The helicopters, too, didn’t prove effective. “The operators of the helicopters visited the ground and expressed that they could dry the pitch but were unable to remove the mud that has accumulated on the playing area.”
In this scenario, if the match is called off we intend to refund the money as declared earlier to the ticket holders from November 8 to 15 between 10am and 5 pm at three different counters at Barabti Stadium in Cuttack. Similarly, the online ticket buyers should not come to the stadium as they will get back their money through their account directly, informed OCA secretary Asirbad Behera.
Ravindra Jadeja - although he added his side was prepared to play whatever the duration of the match presented to them - was candid enough to say in his press conference: “It doesn’t look like there will be a match tomorrow.” Shane Watson was less optimistic about the game, and already seemed to be thankful the rain might have cut short the series significantly. “A five-match series is a bit more enjoyable anyway,” Watson said.
For the Cuttack ground staff and locals, this isn’t a matter of relief. They badly want the game to happen. The challenge for the ground staff begins once it stops raining for a considerable period of time. The outfield isn’t quite submerged like the Indian roads in rain, but it gives the impression you will sink ankle deep once you step on it. The water level in the drain outside the stadium is pretty high too, which is why the wells are being dug.
If the game indeed is abandoned, India will be left with a more difficult task in the series. Down 1-2 after four games, they will need to win the remaining two matches to win the series.