That question is upper most in the minds of the Indians on the eve of their most crucial group game against Zimbabwe.

Twenty-four hours before the start of the match, the Leicester pitch at Grace Road looks far too green for the comfort of the Indian team. Of course, the Indian seam attack would be greatly benefitted by this. But the worry is the grass may neutralise India's batting strength.

England, who have two points from their win against Sri Lanka, have a vested interest in seeing India get beaten again. It would brighten their chances of making the Super Six, particularly as the group is still open after the first set of matches.

Zimbabwe, who have a very useful all-round side, may not be good enough to go the whole way. But they have it in them to decide who else does not qualify from their group. England are aware of this and hope to turn it to their advantage.

For a start, their record against Zimbabwe has not been good. Thus they cannot takethat match for granted. On the other hand, they would be delighted if Zimbabwe upset India, for that would make England's task of qualifying that much easier.

Against this background, the grass left on the pitch for Wednesday's game between India and Zimbabwe stinks of a diabolic English plot. Of course, the groundsman might still take the grass off the pitch before the start of the game. But until that happens, it looks like England hope to stir up the pot a bit.

Apart from the English designs, the Indian team, smarting from the defeat at the hands of South Africa, have regrouped and worked out strategy for the forthcoming matches.

The Indian camp accepts that with better planning and a more positive approach they could have been sitting pretty, not South Africa. But since it is not so, it becomes imperative for them to get the better of Zimbabwe.

One positive thought to emerge is the need to alter plans somewhat. They accept that they cannot always bank on blasting runs in the final overs. Instead,the need is to identify the opposition bowlers whom they can take to the cleaners, irrespective of the state of the match.

The line of thinking is that bowlers like Wasim Akram, Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock will be economical whether they bowl with the new ball or in the death. The batsmen have to be more aggressive against lesser bowlers like Nicky Boje, Hansie Cronje, et al. Of course, certain acceptable risks have to be taken.

Zimbabwe, who are comfortably perched with two points after their win against Kenya, are not a side to be trifled with. They are an outstanding fielding side, in the same class as South Africa. They also have enviable all-round depth with a number of bowlers who can bat and vice versa.

Neil Johnson, who played most of his cricket in South Africa, is a very good all-rounder. He bats left-handed at the top of the order and is a lively fast medium bowler. Heath Streak, their world class fast bowler, will be the kingpin of the attack, though the ageing chicken farmer, EddoBrandes, is their most crafty customer.

If the grass on the pitch remains, Henry Olonga, their fastest bowler, will be a handful.

Zimbabwe does not have any extraordinary player. But they are very strong on the team concept. They have always troubled India.

If Sachin Tendulkar gets going, like he did in Sharjah, he could take the match away single-handed. He did not do much against South Africa and therefore, would be keyed up to prove a point or two.

Rahul Dravid and Saurav Ganguly getting amongst the runs so early in the tournament augurs well for the Indians. If skipper Mohammed Azharuddin can get his act right, and motivate Robin Singh to contribute with bat and ball, half the battle would be won.

Ajit Agarkar did not do too well at Hove, but on a responsive pitch could be a devastating.

All pointers are to a good competitive game. If the weather holds up (it is very cold here) and India play to potential, there would be plenty to cheer about tomorrow.