The pitch being prepared for first One-day international between India and Australia, scheduled for Sunday at the Reliance Stadium in Vadodara, could help bowlers in the first hour of the match, according to sources.
"'It should be a good track to bat on. But there could be some help for bowlers in the first hour as there is a chance of some moisture being retained by the clay content of the soil," sources indicated.
"'The match is scheduled to start at 0900 IST that is much before the sun dries up the pitch," the sources added.
The pitch has a greenish tinge, which is expected to change on Saturday after another round of mowing, while the outfield looked lush green.
The last time these two teams met at this venue, Australian bowlers, led by left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson, had routed the home team for 148 inside 40 overs. Johnson had taken five for 26 and Brett Lee two for 42.
Australia went on to win the contest that was played two years ago, by nine wickets. Only Sachin Tendulkar impressed with a score of 47.
While the Indian team had an extended session of practice on Friday lasting three hours, the Australian squad opted to practice in Mumbai.
