Unseasoned rain on Monday night not just blew the pitch covers at Mumbai Cricket Association's Bandra Kurla Complex but also seem to have planted a few doubts in Mumbai's think-tank about their approach towards the Ranji Trophy Super League encounter against Railways that begins on Wednesday.
The BKC wicket is considered to be a batsman's paradise and the defending champions have been content to bat first and ensure a first innings lead at this venue since last season. But the ground staff hardly got any time to prepare the 22-yard strip on Tuesday due to overcast conditions and it will be a miracle if the wicket dries completely and the match starts before lunch.
The wicket is sure to have enough juice to assist the bowlers in the first couple of hours and any captain would be tempted to put in the opposition after winning the toss. But the decision may not be that straight forward for Mumbai skipper Wasim Jaffer who will miss two of his front-line seamers - Ajit Agarkar and Aavishkar Salvi - and the back-up man Abhishek Nayar due to injuries. While Salvi has been ruled out for the remaining season due to a shoulder injury, Agarkar (bad back) and Nayar (ankle) will definitely miss the Railways tie.
This means the hosts will once again bank on their strong batting line-up to pocket at least three points. Jaffer has himself been in great form scoring three centuries in four innings so far, while make-shift opener Omkar Gurav, Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma have also been impressive.
{{/usCountry}}This means the hosts will once again bank on their strong batting line-up to pocket at least three points. Jaffer has himself been in great form scoring three centuries in four innings so far, while make-shift opener Omkar Gurav, Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma have also been impressive.
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