DIFFERENT BALLGAME: Despite overcast conditions, the South Africans had a two-hour practice session at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium while the Indians preferred to stay in the hotel. — Photo: V. Ganesan

Chennai: With the five-match series between India and South Africa tied one all, the third ODI to be played at the M.A. Chidambaram stadium on Tuesday could be the pivot on which the series will turn. Both teams arrived here on Sunday.

South Africa had a two-hour session under overcast skies. The squad stretched, limbered up and played a spot of football before Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock, and captain Graeme Smith had a net session.

Wing Commander M. Baladitya, the media manager of the Indian team, confirmed the side "don't have anything planned for today". They are scheduled to practice on Monday afternoon.

Inexperienced side

After being surprised by a seamer-friendly track in the first ODI at Hyderabad, South Africa was caught out on a Bangalore pitch that was slow and afforded turn. "That was an experience of real sub-continent conditions," said South African coach Mickey Arthur. "It's a real test for us, we are a young and inexperienced side. The mental make-up is fine despite the defeat."

Arthur said the wicket here looked "fantastic". "This is the best strip we've seen on tour and there are going to be some big scores." He said the weather and ground conditions reminded the team of Durban. "Aw, we don't know yet," he said when asked what the team would do on winning the toss. "We'll have to see how the dew is and look at history."

South Africa's incredible twenty-game unbeaten streak was stopped in Bangalore, but to not lose over that long in the instant format where moments can turn matches is a remarkable achievement. "The guys are really getting together really well, they have roles and we try and keep the atmosphere fun," said Arthur.

India surprised Sri Lanka when its players seamlessly switched roles; does Arthur want to do that with South Africa? "Our roles are quite well-defined, but you may see us tinker with our gameplan on Tuesday." He added that his side might look at two spinners, probably using one as the Super Sub.

The curator K. Parthasarathy said his staff had rolled the pitch more than usual because of the rains that had lashed the city. "We have been preparing it for ten days," he said. "We will water it depending on the sunshine. Don't want to risk a wet wicket." Most South African players walked up to the pitch, knuckled it, nodded appreciatively and moved on.

Day-night matches tax captains more because dew, which affects team strategy and composition, is added to the fray. "In the last two days, there was no dew," said Parthasarathy. "When it looks like it will rain, there usually is no dew."

The last Test match and the last ODI that were played here finished without a result — rain playing spoilsport. With showers forecast, this match could end in a watery grave, with neither side the wiser.

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