Security has been boosted around the Eden Gardens stadium for Friday's fourth one-dayer between India and South Africa [Images] to prevent any protest over local boy Sourav Ganguly's [Images] omission from the team.

"The security arrangement is fool-proof because of the talk of protests," N.R. Babu, deputy commissioner of police, said on Thursday.

"We have made special arrangements for the players and the (Indian) coach's safety."

Ganguly was sacked as captain and removed from the one-day squad last month following his prolonged batting slump and a damaging row with coach Greg Chappell [Images].

However, Ganguly has retained his place in the squad to play in the first Test against Sri Lanka [Images] starting on Dec. 2.

Police have thrown a security cordon around former Australia [Images] captain Chappell, blamed by many local fans for Ganguly's omission. Effigies of Chappell and chief selector Kiran More have been burnt by protesters.

Politicians and film stars in Kolkata have also criticised Ganguly's sacking.

"We are boycotting tomorrow's match and we urge all cricket fans to do the same. The way Sourav has been removed from the team is unfair," said Rupa Ganguly, a leading local actress.

POOR RECORD

Although Eden Gardens has a history of boorish fan behaviour, India captain Rahul Dravid [Images] was confident there would be no disruption of the match.

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"A few actors and politicians do not represent Bengal," he said. "They are a small minority and I know there are millions of fans who care for cricket.

"I can tell you this because I receive a lot of my fan mails from this part of the country."

Fan violence with India on the verge of losing the 1996 World Cup semifinal against eventual champions Sri Lanka forced the game to be abandoned and the latter declared champions.

A 1999 Asian Test championship game against rivals Pakistan was completed before empty stands after rioting fans were ejected by the police after the hosts slumped towards defeat.

Dravid and his South African counterpart Graeme Smith [Images] were concerned about dew on the pitch during the day-night match.

"The toss will be quite important," Smith said. "There is usually a lot of dew in Kolkata."

Both captains would hope to bowl first and avoid problems for their bowlers in the evening when it becomes tough to grip the wet ball.