A lively Eden pitch awaits India and England

Kolkata: The last time it hosted an ODI, the Eden Gardens saw 632 runs being scored with India chasing down Sri Lanka's huge total and this time also a lively pitch awaits the Indian and English teams.

CAB's (Cricket Association of Bengal) pitch curator Prabir Mukherjee promises a sporting one-day track for the fifth and final match on Tuesday with the hosts on the verge of inflicting a 5-0 whitewash on England.

"We have prepared a pitch that will stay firm with even bounce. It will be a typical one-day wicket. Plenty of runs will be on offer," Mukherjee said, refusing to predict any total.

Asked what a team should do upon winning the toss, Mukherjee said: "It's not for me to say. The captain knows it the best."

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The pitch has a little grass on it and it is expected to provide a little assistance to the seamers with spinners also in an advantageous position to extract some turn later on.

With the onset of winter, dew might play a major role and Mukherjee said that they are taking all measures to combat the dew factor.

"There's not much dew nowadays. But we will take precautions - of chemical sprays - in case the dew comes into play," he said.

With an overcast cloudy sky, CAB is leaving no stone unturned to avoid a situation where rain could play spoilsport.

The state association has arranged covers for the entire ground with more than 50 groundstaff to do the needful.

"For the first time for an ODI a full cover has been arranged. We have had this in the IPL before. In case of a rain, it will cover the entire stadium. More than 50 groundsmen will be ready to do the job if needed."

Last month rains robbed CAB of the Champions League T20 matches in Eden Gardens.