India vs Windies fifth ODI: 'We've prepared a wicket for run-fest'

India vs Windies fifth ODI

The ODI series has been a bat-dominated affair so far, with eight hundreds already been registered. Barring Pune, all the other venues have produced totals in excess of 300. Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram promises to be another run-filled encounter.

Free stroke-play surface

According to Jayesh Geoge, former Kerala Cricket Association secretary and general convener of the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram after 30 years, “the wicket will assist batsmen and free stroke-play and like other matches, we can expect a 300-plus total here also.”

The Greenfield Stadium, Sports Hub at Karyavattom, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the venue of the 5th and final ODI #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/YFKqdEQlvl

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) October 31, 2018

The last and only International game at the venue

The Greenfield International Stadium hosted its first game last year, a Twenty 20 fixture between India and New Zealand. The match was washed out, after only eight overs of play.

In those eight overs, it was a sticky surface with the ball not coming quickly off the surface and made the stroke-play difficult.

Commenting on the how the wicket is different this time, Jayesh Geoge said, “There was obviously some dampness underneath because of all the rain that time. This time, we have got enough sunshine for the preparation of the wicket and the ball is expected to come onto the bat.”

Greenfield International Stadium, also known as the Sports Hub, has hosted a solitary first-class match in 2017-18 Ranji Trophy season.

Weather forecast

Even this time, the weather forecast is not great. It has been rained a number of times in the last few days and there could be some more on the match day.

According to the meteorological department, the forecast for Thursday is partly cloudy with the possibility of rain in the afternoon.

Team India secured the series with a 224-run win in the last outing, they’re leading 2-1 in the series with last game to go.

Here's all the action from the final training session. We are set for the 5th @paytm ODI in #Thiruvananthapuram tomorrow ✌? #TeamIndia #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/TjJnuR3gXL

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 31, 2018