No surprises, it146;s raining

Though it was noon, it seemed more like dusk. The locals were moaning about the season tickets the dark clouds in Chennai have so infamously secured and how they religiously turn up for all big match days.

Though it was noon, it seemed more like dusk. The locals were moaning about the season tickets the dark clouds in Chennai have so infamously secured and how they religiously turn up for all big match days. But the groan from the England dressing room was louder. Rain had delayed their first net session after landing here and just as they were about to spill on to the field after a delay, it started pouring again.

While the Indians were sweating after their hectic net session, the English 8212; desperate for some cricketing action 8212; were left feeling disconsolate. After a long wait indoors, the sun came out 8212; and with it, the Englishmen, running into the centre like kids at the gates of Disneyland. For about an hour, they split their time between the nets and some fielding drills.

Considering the limited time they got on Tuesday, and all the distractions in the run-up to the series, the one question England opener Alastair Cook was repeatedly asked at the press conference concerned his team8217;s match preparedness. He was candid enough to confess that there hasn8217;t been much time to make plans about the Test ahead. 8220;The time we spent in Abu Dhabi was quite good. But there, the focus was on individuals. Tonight we will sit and plan about the Test match,8221; he says.

Cook8217;s experience

But this, Cook asserted, wouldn8217;t come in their way when they take the field on Thursday. The England opener said that the hour of crisis had strengthened them as a team. 8220;This entire side has got behind each other. There have been some very tough decisions taken individually, but now we are here as a unit.

8220;When I was here three years ago, having travelled half way around the world, I had one training session and played a Test. It can be done. You don8217;t lose your technique overnight, it8217;s very much a mental battle,8221; he said.

When England last toured India in 2006, Cook flew in from West Indies where he was part of the 8216;A8217; side to make his international debut as an injury replacement. In the very first game, he scored a hundred. England are certainly better prepared compared to Cook three years ago, and that was a silver lining for the visitors on an otherwise gloomy day.

England don8217;t have any option but to hit the ground running. 8220;Jet lag doesn8217;t matter when the adrenalin flows,8221; Cook said from his past experience. With limited opportunity to train, the English are banking on preparing themselves mentally for the Test. 8220;Cricket is played upstairs. We have to be prepared mentally,8221; said Cook.

India upbeat

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The mood in the Indian team was in total contrast. Openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir seemed in impeccable touch at the nets as they sent several deliveries flying into the stands.

The out-of-form Rahul Dravid seemed to be working hard to get back to his best. After a long stint in the nets, he and coach Gary Kirsten headed to the indoor nets for more batting practice.

Pacers Islant Sharma and Zaheer Khan seemed in fine rhythm, and even Munaf Patel showed some bite.

The only man missing at the nets, for the second day running, was Harbhajan Singh. A family commitment meant he was to join the team a day before the Test. But PR Vishwanathan, the south zone representative of the pitches committee, said the focus will be firmly on Harbhajan during the Test. This pitch is dry and, if the spinners give it a proper tweak, the ball could turn from day one.

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The winning formula on this surface: score heavily in the first innings and bank on the spinners to get wickets on the final two days of the Test. But since the gloomy day ended with a forecast of more rains in the coming days, it remains to be seen if Chennai manages to get five days of play.