Acid test awaits iffy Delhi attack

It's least desirable to fight a heavyweight after finishing second-best against a relatively lightweight opponent. Such is the situation Delhi find themselves in their second match. Subhash Rajta reports.

It's least desirable to fight a heavyweight after finishing second-best against a relatively lightweight opponent. Such is the situation Delhi find themselves in their second match.

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The last year's semi-finalists would have hoped to enter the ring against Tamil Nadu with at least three points, if not five, from their relatively easy opener against Bengal. But it was Manoj Tiwary's side that not only walked away with three points, but also exposed chinks in Delhi's bowling.

As a result, the visitors will feel that extra pressure to snatch at least three points to prevent another slip. Picking up as many points as possible early on is imperative, but it's easier said than done, especially against hosts Tamil Nadu.

The hosts have a batting line-up that can tear apart the Delhi attack if the bowlers don't improve upon their showing in the opening game. On a positive note, the bowlers could expect a little more assistance from the track here, but, on the flip side, they will have the likes of S Badrinath, A Mukund, Arun Karthik and Dinesh Karthik to contend with.

Following the reversal against Bengal, Delhi might be tempted to change the composition of their pace battery. Pawan Suyal, the young left-arm quick, could be drafted in raise to the pace quotient and cause some unrest. With leg-spinner Chetanya Nanda not in the squad, left-arm spinner Vikas Mishra is set to get a game.

"Delhi's bowling looks a bit shaky, but they can't be taken lightly. We will need to be at our best to put it across them," said Tamil Nadu batting coach, PC Prakash.

Even as the teams brace up, they would also be keeping an eye on the weather. It has been raining for the last few days and the skies threaten to open up again.