Rain just seems to follow the Men in Blue. After a heavy shower forced abandonment of the fourth ODI in Ranchi on Wednesday, with India into just the fifth over of their run-chase, there is virtually no chance of a game here on Saturday.
The region is experiencing cyclonic weather for the last four-five days and most parts of the city are under water. Although the pitch and its adjoining area are covered, the outfield has turned into a pond.
It drizzled most of Friday, and there's forecast of more rain on match-day.
"Match referee Roshan Mahanama will inspect the ground at 11 am on Saturday and take a call on the possibility of play," Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) secretary Ashirwad Behera said.
Tickets were sold out before the inclement weather set in, but the OCA has already reassured fans that they would be refunded the money in case of a washout.
Being 1-2 down in the seven-match series, the hosts are more eager to get on with some action. That was clear from the fact that even in this dismal weather, the team came drove down to the venue from Bhubaneswar in the morning and had a light workout at the adjacent indoor complex named after Sachin Tendulkar.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said at the pre-match press conference that there was little possibility of any play on Saturday, but was quick to add that the boys are mentally prepared to play even a curtailed match, if possible.
It is unfortunate that the elements have interfered in what was developing into a see-saw battle between the top two ODI teams of the world. The washout in Ranchi deprived Australia the chance to displace India from the top of the table, as they needed to win the series 6-1. The visitors, however, are still keen to leave Indian shores with the series in pocket.
"To be able to win a series in India in any format of the game is a huge challenge and it will be a great achievement for us to win this series," Australian all-rounder Shane Watson said on Friday. "We have been playing some really good cricket, we just just have to continue."
Jadeja agreed that a washout on Saturday will not be in India's interest. "Trailing 1-2, we would love to play whatever opportunity we get and pray that the match takes place," he said. But the Saurashtra player was confident that even if there is no cricket here, India are capable of winning the last two matches and win the series. "We are determined to take advantage of the home conditions and win the next two matches and clinch the series," he stated.
As things stand, both sides will have to reconcile themselves to the gloomy reality and get ready to resume the battle in Nagpur only.
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