Cricket WC: Stage set for India-Eng thriller

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BANGALORE: The weather is threatening to play spoilsport as India take on England on Sunday for what is arguably the most-awaited game in the World Cup league stages.

The winner of the day-nighter on Sunday will not only get bragging rights in Group B but will also carry a lot of confidence as the Feb. 19-April 2 tournament picks up steam.

While both teams have few worries about their batting, the bowling is a concern for both sides. India gave away close to300 runs against Bangladesh, while Netherlands passed that landmark against England a few days later.

The match is threatened by rain and both teams will look to bat first not only to avoid headaches to competing with the Duckworth-Lewis system to settle weather-affected matches in the event that the heavens open.

While India's in-form batsman Virender Sehwag suffered a rib injury, England's opening bowler Stuart Broad had an upset stomach ahead of the match. However, both players are expected to take to the field for the match and each team has a fully fit squad to pick from.

Both sides opened their campaign with victories with India crushing co-hosts Bangladesh by 87 runs while England laboured to a thrilling six-wicket victory over the Netherlands.

The build-up to the game has been marred by violence as fans looking for tickets to the high-profile match clashed with police after a shortage of tickets available for public sale.

The Group B match was switched to Bangalore's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium from Eden Gardens in Kolkata due to delayed construction work in the stadium.(Reuters)