Atmosphere building for India's clash with England

Begaluru, India: The atmosphere will be like a thriller today as hosts India take on England at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in a crucial World Cup battle.

The city was drowned in heavy rain on Friday night, creating huge areas of standing water on the outfield, casting doubt as to whether this contest will be played in full.

The weather might be cool but tempers are running high with fans unable to get tickets and even ticket holders not sure of getting into the stadium.

The common man is seething over the ticket debacle and police are gearing up to tackle protests.

Meanwhile, the local press published pictures of legislative assembly members collecting their tickets after fans were thrashed by police for attempting to buy one themselves.

Then there is doubt over how many top Indians will play, with injury spreading.

The state of the pitch means the toss will be crucial as the team bowling second may find it hard to grip the ball.

However, curator Narayan Raju has promised it will be spectator-friendly. "The wicket will be a sporting one and you will see lot of runs scored," he said.

Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni studied the track on Friday.

He faces a tough choice between playing three seamers, like against Bangladesh, or two spinners.

Knowing England's weakness against turn, he may include Piyush Chawla to back up Harbhajan Singh.

England seamer Stuart Broad hinted they too could play two spinners.

Both batting line ups are strong. On paper, India have the edge, but it all comes down to the day. One whirlwind knock could win it.

Though the Indian team is filled with hard hitters, England's bowlers are among the world's best, but struggled against the Netherlands. England's fielding must also improve.

If both teams perform to their potential we should witness a fine battle.

Who do you think will win between England and India? Is this going to be the match of the tournament?