Pacers may get assistance in cold Mohali conditions

With cold conditions persisting in the northern region for the past several days, fast bowlers are likely to get assistance in the last two ODIs between India and England at Mohali and Dharamsala.It rained heavily in Mohali and other parts of Punjab in the last few days and though the weather has been dry since Saturday, the temperature has dropped slightly and there is chill in the air. The officials at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), which is hosting the January 23 ODI in Mohali, were working with all modern equipments at their disposal to give finishing touches to the ground after the heavy downpour.

Both the teams, who arrived on Sunday by an afternoon flight, will have their practice sessions tomorrow starting with England in the afternoon followed by the Indians in the evening. A PCA official said they are hoping the weather remains clear, but also seem confident of preparing the ground incase there are further rains. ‘We have the best drainage system and modern equipment at our disposal to dry out things in minimum possible time in case of more rains. But we hope that weather holds good and there is plenty of sunshine during the next three days,’ the official said. The maximum temperature in Mohali these days settles in the range of 16-18 degrees.