World Cup 2015: Wind will play a huge role at MCG

MELBOURNE: The Indian team was scheduled to arrive at 2 pm for practice at the Melbourne Cricket Ground but delayed its arrival by more than an hour. By 3.30, when they checked in, the already gloomy weather had turned a tad gloomier and the breeze had turned into wind before losing direction.

The team went through its practice rituals for more than an hour before individual sets of training began. Ravichandran Ashwin walked up to the middle, right next to the wicket that had been kept covered, and pitched a stump. He then collected a dozen new balls and began rolling his arm, first with the wind, later into the wind and so on. The MET department in Victoria has already suggested similar weather through the coming week and showers in particular on Thursday . While a reserve day has been kept aside in case of a washout, it is the wind that’ll play a huge role at this colossal venue regardless of which team bats first.

The last time India played here, both spinners and medium-pacers impressed alike.Ashwin had a three-wicket haul while Mohammed Shami and Mohit Sharma bagged two wickets each.

In all the six matches India have played in the World Cup so far, they’ve bowled out the opposition every time. To pick 60 wickets in conditions that until the start of February were being considered alien for this young attack – and their form being questioned – has been quite an achievement. “I look best when my bowlers do well,” MS Dhoni had said after the match against South Africa.