".....

He's also wrong to claim India has "the best batting line up in the world". India are a very poor fielding outfit. and SA are a v good fielding side. Word from the ground is that South Africa have won the toss and they've decided to field. India have been hit by a virus, with as many as eight players, including Ajit Agarkar, Sreesanth and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, all unwell. Said Rahul Dravid, the Indian captain, on the eve of the game: "Quite a few boys in our team are suffering from viral fever and flu, and symptoms of that kind. Sreesanth, Agarkar, Dhoni, RP Singh and Ramesh Powar have not come to practice on Monday. T

here are other guys like Yuvraj Singh, myself, Zaheer Khan and Robin [Singh, the fielding coach] who are feeling a bit down." India have also called up uncapped seamer Ranadeb Bose and Ishant Sharma, who has one Test cap, into the squad in time for the second ODI. South Africa are without Shaun Pollock and Graeme Smith, but captain Jacques Kallis hopes the younger players included can step up. "We are trying to find a bit of variety in our attack," he said. "Obviously, Muttiah Muralitharans and Shane Warnes don't come round every day. We need to find someone who wins the odd game for the country." Both sides enjoyed wins over hosts Ireland over the weekend, but this will be tougher cricket in challenging conditions.

This is a new pitch for this game, and its expected to help the seamers initially. The sun is out, the temperature is good, and all in all a comfortable day for playing cricket. The surface, because of the generous sunshine, looks good with no cracks. It may seam around a little bit, but after a while should settle in to a good batting track...."