International cricket arrives

CHANDIGARH: A buoyant Team India, after back-to-back wins in two out of three played in the seven- match one-day series, landed at the city airport along with their formidable yet seemingly troubled opponents, Australia, on Sunday. The teams will lock horns on Monday in the fourth ODI at Mohali’s PCA Stadium. India leads the series 2-1. 

The flight carrying the players landed at Chandigarh airport at around 3.30pm, nearly two hours behind schedule. Bypassing the 200-odd fans who thronged the airport to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars, the players reached their well-guarded hotel in Sector 17 and went straight to their rooms. PCA’s joint secretary GS Walia said it was unlikely that the teams would go to the stadium for practice sessions on Sunday. 

“That is because they arrived late. The captains may come to assess the pitch, but even that is not certain,” Walia added. 

Experts say the pitch at the stadium looks full of runs with the outfield being quite fast. It is likely that the team winning the toss will bat first as a run fest is expected. 

Outside the stadium, enthusiasts in large numbers were seen wandering around trying to arrange tickets, which have already have been sold out. 

A thick blanket of security surrounded the hotel where the teams are staying and at the stadium, where Punjab police have laid a virtual siege. Quick reaction teams of Punjab and Chandigarh police commandos will be on hand to tackle any eventuality at the hotel and on the route to the stadium. With all tickets sold out, the match will see around 37,000 spectators in attendance.