No devils in this pitch

HYDERABAD: The D-Day has at last arrived. The first one-day international between India and England will be played under flood lights at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday and the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) is keen not to repeat past mistakes.“We have learnt from our past mistakes. We have made elaborate arrangements so that spectators will not face any problem this time,’’ assured Arshad Ayub, HCA president. There were complaints of non-availability of water and exorbitant rates of food items during the India-Australia match in Aug, 2009. “The HCA will provide free water sachets as bottles will not be allowed inside the stadium for security reasons.Apart from that, drinking water will be available at water taps. We will be closely monitoring even the food vendors. We will put up price list of all the items on the notice boards. If any vendor charges more than the prescribed rate, spectators can complain to the police or any HCA official,” Ayub explained.The HCA president advised ticket-holders to strictly follow the guidelines and enter the gate as per the instructions.He warned the spectators not to purchase tickets sold outside or near the stadium. “If the tickets are available, they can purchase from the UCO Bank branches, e-Seva Centres and on-line,’’ he added. The former Test player is expecting a full house. “Although there was not much enthusiasm for the recent matches, we are expecting a full house tomorrow,’’ he said. And the wicket promises to be a good one. “You will find more bounce and there will be some grip. I feel India will have a slight advantage over England tomorrow,’’ he felt.Meanwhile, some important members of the HCA went underground on the eve of the match.Their cell phones were switched off as there was a clamour for complimentary tickets. “We can’t please everyone. Some come and demand as many as 25 tickets. It is not possible,’’ said a HCA official.As India begin a new series, hopes are that Dhoni and his boys will break the home jinx. India have lost all three matches they have played on this ground.