Cricket / 4 elderly women scrub grass clippings off the pitch ahead of Rajkot ODI

The Warner-Finch duo annihilated the Indian bowling attack in the first ODI at Wankhede and stitched a record-breaking partnership to steer Australia to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The only positive for the Men in Blue was Shikhar Dhawan’s enthralling 74-run knock, which eventually went futile as the visitors left the Indian bowling force gasping for breath.

After gathering 255 runs on the board, Virat Kohli and his troops failed to scalp wickets as they succumbed to the wrath of David Warner and Aaron Finch, who steered Australia to the target in the 38th over itself.

All eyes will be on Virat Kohli when India lock horns with Australia in the second match of the series at Rajkot. be eager to bounce back at Rajkot in order to level the three-match series 1-1.

The wicket at Rajkot is expected to attract a massive total in the 2nd ODI

The wicket at Rajkot is expected to be a paradise for batsmen and both the teams will be eager to amass a massive total on the board on Friday. However, one particular thing which caught the attention ahead of the ODI was the sight of four elderly ladies scrubbing grass clippings off the pitch at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

Four elderly ladies were spotted on their hands and knees vigorously scrubbing grass clippings off the wicket. The ladies used large handheld brushes and collected the trimmings in dustpans in order to prepare the pitch before it was rolled sideways by the curators. The venue, which was inaugurated in 2008, first hosted international cricket in 2013.

Since then, the stadium has hosted only two ODIs and the chasing side has been victorious on both the occasions. Australia has played at the venue only once where they were defeated by India in a T20 International in 2013.

Australia skipper Aaron Finch was the top scorer for his side as he smashed 89 off 52 balls including 14 fours and a six. The right-hander, who smashed a brilliant ton in the first ODI to decimate Indian bowlers will be eager to replicate his performance along with David Warner. The pitch, which is anticipated to a belter, is expected to host an enthralling encounter for a sellout crowd on Friday.