A large number of fans greeted their favourite stars at Begumpet airport. The Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) had made elaborate arrangements to welcome the teams.

The city is in the grip of cricket fever with tickets being sold out yesterday for the crucial encounter to be played at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium at Uppal.

Soon after their arrival, the tourists proceeded to the stadium for net practice, while some of the Indian cricketers were scheduled to make an apperance at the launch of Hyderabad 10K Run - Half Marathon 2007.

Sachin Tendulkar, an ambassador of the Hyderabad 10K-Run Foundation, will be the star attraction at the event.

Meanwhile, tight security arrangements have been made at the 40,000-seat capacity stadium as well the hotel where the players are put up.

The police are not leaving anything to chance to ensure security for players, particularly in the wake of the recent bomb blasts in the state capital.

Australians have taken 1-0 lead in the seven-match series having won the Kochi ODI, while the first tie at Bangalore was washed out. (Agencies)