AHMEDABAD, April 2: The day temperature here is just about right to cook barbecue delicacies like sheek kababs and chicken tikka under the sun. But playing cricket in such oppressive climes is nothing short of midsummer madness. The Australians, who were wilting under the 35 degree Celsius heat of Kochi, will find the mercury rising at least five degree higher here during playing hours."It can't be," Australian skipper Steve Waugh said half-seriously while learning on arrival that the heat could be worse in Ahmedabad, where his country is scheduled to play the second of the Pepsi Triangular limited-over cricket series tomorrow.The Ahmedabad humidity, however, is nowhere near the high levels of Kochi. And that would mean that the players may not be as close to dehydration as they were yesterday.Zimbabwe skipper Alistair Campbell was more philosophical in comparison. "Yes, the heat will play a big factor in the match. We are not used to playing in 40 degrees Celsius, but then coming fromAfrica we are not exactly unused to adverse climatic conditions. Anyway, we have not come here on a picnic. We have to tackle overseas conditions," he said.While the Zimbabweans have been here for the past two days, the beleaguered Australians flew in here from Kochi late in the afternoon and decided to skip their pre-match nets.The wicket looks like a strip scooped from the Roland Garros. The brownish-red rectangle is devoid of grass, moisture and is very, very hard indicating that a batting feast is in store tomorrow. Curator Dhiraj Parsana, however, reckons that there will be a bit of assistance for the spinners later in the day."We are not bullish about our chances. We are the minnows of international cricket, still learning and the tag of underdogs suit us fine. The pressure is on the opponents, but we can spring surprises," Campbell opined. "We may not have players who are the cynosure of TV cameras, but we have 11 men who will give 100% to do the job."It may be remembered that Zimbabwepulled off what was arguably the greatest one-day upset - till Kenya beat the West Indies - when they beat Australia on their One-Day International (ODI) debut. The Zimbabweans achieved that feat against the bowling might of Dennis Lillee, Jeff Thomson, Geoff Lawson and Rodney Hogg in the 1983 World Cup at Nottingham. Yet, in the 15 years that have elapsed, Zimbabwe have met Australia on just eight more occasions- mostly in the World Cup.Not surprisingly, Steve Waugh pleaded limited knowledge about Zimbabwe. "To be honest, I wouldn't know much about them. But I guess they must be a better one-day side than a Test team. Guys like the Flower brothers (Andy and Grant), Heath Streak, Paul Strang, Murray Goodwin and Campbell seem players with lot of potential," said the Australian skipper.Campbell also said that his team is not unduly worried about Shane Warne. The question on everyone's mind is: Could the downswing in the Australian fortunes be just the right moment for Zimbabwe to capitalise on?Campbell is not reading too much - at least, not openly so - into the situation. "It's not an advantage at all. They will be striving to play good cricket after losing the Test series and the opening match of the one-day. I feel they will come out like typical Aussies tomorrow. Aggressive and determined."Teams: Australia (from): Steve Waugh (capt), Adam Gilchrist, Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Bevan, Shane Warne, Damien Fleming, Michael Kasparowicz, Darren Lehmann, Damien Martyn, Tom Moody, Gavin Robertson and Adam Dale. Coach: Geoff Marsh.Zimbabwe: Alistair Campbell (capt), Andrew Flower (vice-capt), Gary Brent, Craig Evans, Grant Flower, Murray Goodwin, Adam Huckle, Mpumelelo Mbangwa, Paul Strang, Heath Streak, Dirk Viljoen, Andrew Whittall, Guy Whittall and Craig Wishart. Coach: David Houghton.
