It was not the kind of scenario cricketing great and overall head coach of India-A teams, Rahul Dravid, would have loved to see on arrival at the Mulapadu Cricket Complex with two grounds where the Quadrangular Series one-day cricket championship featuring India-A, India-B, Australia-A and South Africa-A teams will commence from Friday.
The ground-staff were busy working overtime to ensure that the outfield and the playing area were in perfect condition even as dark clouds hovered over, threatening another spell of rain late in the evening.
Contests possible
However, they believe that if it doesn’t rain and there is bright sunshine there is a possibility of at least reduced-overs contests.
Dravid, who walked into the ground along with BCCI senior national selection panel chairman, M.S.K. Prasad, had a long chat with the staff and had a close look at the outfield too.
The DVR ground where India-A, led by Shreyas Iyer, is scheduled to take on Australia-A captained by Travis Head, looks far better with fewer wet patches, the pitch and the surrounding area are in near-perfect condition thanks to covering of the entire stretch.
However, the adjacent Chukkapalli Pitchaiah ground where Khayelihle Zondo-led South Africa-A will meet India-B captained by Manish Pandey with some wet patches was a cause for concern.
Indoor training
With conditions not fit for any training session, except Australia-A, the other three teams trained at the Mangalagiri ACA indoor stadium in Guntur in the morning.
Australia-A coach and former England batsman Graeme Hick, along with former India left-arm spinner S. Sriram (now a key member of the Aussies support staff), too went around the venue this morning.
For his part, MSK Prasad said it is a wonderful tournament for youngsters, an opportunity for all the fringe players to make a mark.
“This is a wonderful initiative as very good sides are there and we are fortunate, being the hosts, to field two teams.
“From an Indian perspective, we have a mix of seasoned cricketers and upcoming youngsters. I am sure this series will throw some talent to look out for,” he said.
“I feel the ACA did a wonderful job despite not having the best of climate in the last one week.
“Hopefully, with some sunshine tomorrow, I am sure the players are geared up to showcase their skills ahead of a long season,” Prasad told The Hindu.