Hurting Delhi take on Baroda

But the centre wicket looked well-rolled and the outfield was lush — the steady bounce on the pitch’s red soil is expected to test bowlers for temperament and batsmen for technique in what is expected to be an even contest,especially with Baroda all-rounder Irfan Pathan still in rehab. Delhi will bank on skipper Aakash Chopra’s patience,Dhawan’s aggression and Rajat Bhatia’s grit,while Vadodara will rely on stand-in skipper Connor Williams,veterans Jacob Martin and Satyajit Parab,and the big-hitting Yusuf Pathan.

In the bowling department,Azhar Bilakhia — having earned his fame with IPL team Deccan Chargers — will be keen to make an impression,while left-arm spinner Rajesh Pawar will be the main bowling threat as usual. Seamers Ajitesh Argal and Salim Veragi have been impressive of late but the absence of Irfan and Munaf Patel gives the Delhi seam attack of Pradeep Sangwan,Parwinder Awana and Sumit Narhwal an edge.

Delhi are set to include Yogesh Nagar and Mayank Tehlan in the playing XI. Baroda are still undecided about their pace-spin combination,and will take a final call in the morning. With the morning dew and open spaces allowing a cross-breeze for the ball to swing,it should be a a good batting wicket for four of six hours on the first day,making it a good toss to lose. On a track such as this,it’s the approach after the game starts,rather than the flip of the coin,that will determine the outcome.