The second ODI of the 5-match series between India and Australia in Kolkata on Thursday can again become a rain-affected game despite the fact that the weatherman has not ruled out the possibility of intermittent showers, especially in the evening hours.

With the possibility of the rain showers, the Eden Gardens remained under cover ahead of the second ODI. Team India has already taken a 1-0 lead in the ODI series, thanks to a 26-run win over the visitors in the rain-affected first game in Chennai on Sunday.

The city of Kolkata has been witnessing frequent showers and Kolkata Met director Ganesh Das said, “By September 21, the circulation will be gone but in this month rain is a possibility especially in the evening. It may not however continue for too long.”

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) hosted Australia last time on November 18, 2003, and its president, former India skipper Sourav Ganguly is no mood to take any chances. He himself done the ground inspection of the conditions and was seen giving instructions while the ground remained under cover.

CAB’s pitch curator, Sujan Mukherjee said, “The pitch and ground conditions is just perfect. It’s an ideal condition what’s required for an One-Day International contest but I cannot say whether it will rain or not. Who would thought India to score 281/7 from being five down for 87 in the 22nd over? I cannot say they will make how many runs but the wicket will help both batsmen and bowlers.”

When asked about the possibility of showers, the pitch curator replied: “We are equipped to cover the entire ground and there is enough machinery to clear up even if it rains but it depends on the intensity and duration.”