ODI series: Australia to begin afresh after Test series whitewash

On October 15,and October 16,the Australian team would be practising at the nets,he said adding the Indian team’s practise sessions have not yet been confirmed.

The pitch condition was satisfactory and ‘absolutely okay’,he said. However,the outfield preparations had been delayed as it was soggy due to the rains. Two super soppers have been brought from Chennai yesterday. The stadium grounds would be covered with plastic covers which would arrive from chennai tomorrow,he said.

The spectators should not make any anti racist slogans or to exhibit provocative placards.

The entire spectators in the ground would be wearing Nike’s blue T shirt being sponsored by Neo sports and Nimbus.

This is the first time an entire cricket stadium spectators would be wearing the same colours,he said.

Only licensed caterers would be supplying food at the stadium during the match. A Food safety commissioner’s help has been sought and food inspectors would check continuously the quality of food being served. During the last ODI at the stadium,there was criticism that the food served was below standards.

On the ticket sales,he said so far the revenue from ticket sales was rs one crore. Normally 50 per cent sales of the tickets is during the last 3 days of the match,he said.

When pointed that major players,including Sachin Tendulkar,Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan were missing from the Indian ODI squad,mathew said ‘there are no major and minor players. This is a very balanced side’.