The first time

Australia will certainly remember their epic Test match against India at the Eden Gardens in 2001, but the final of the TVS Cup will be their first time against India in an ODI here. And they should know that India have won eight out of the 11 times they played here. Australia's only ODI at the Eden Gardens before was the eventful final of the 1987 Reliance World Cup where they edged out England by 7 runs.

Like most venues in India, the Eden Gardens has seen its share of high scores. On five occasions, the side batting first has posted 270 or more. Not surprisingly, only once in these occasions, the team chasing won. That happened when West Indies scored 273 and still lost to Pakistan in the MRF Nehru Cup in 1989.

In 17 ODIs that have taken place at the Eden Gardens, only four centuries have been scored. Kris Srikkanth opened the account in 1986-87 and was followed by Desmond Haynes and Marcus Trescothick. Of the current Indian team, only Sachin Tendulkar has reached three figures here.

Bowlers of all kinds should know that they have their work cut out for them. Only once has a team been bowled out for less than 150 in an ODI here. That was when Anil Kumble sliced through the West Indies in the final of the Hero Cup in 1993. West Indies made just 123 in pursuit of 226 for victory.

Having said that, seven bowlers have taken four wickets or more in one-dayers at Eden Gardens with Allan Donald and Saqlain Mushtaq being the only non-Indians to do so.