The first day of the two-day pink ball match between India and the Prime Minister’s XI was completely washed out due to persistent rain, leaving both teams frustrated after an entire day of waiting.
Heavy drizzle began around 10 am and continued intermittently until around 5.30 pm, ensuring that the covers stayed firmly on the pitch throughout the day. Despite hopes for a break in the weather, play was never a realistic possibility. The Indian team did come out to inspect the conditions, but with little opportunity to take the field, there was little reason for them to remain.
Towards the evening, as the rain paused briefly, the ground staff quickly began peeling back the covers, with both teams’ support staff meeting with the umpires. However, as the covers were restored and the ground staff packed up around 6.30 pm, it became clear that there would be no play that day. Further heavier rain began to fall at 7 pm, sealing the fate of the day’s play.
With no cricket played, the match is now set to resume on Sunday, with a revised schedule of a 50-over game starting at 2:40 pm. Ticket holders for Saturday’s play will be refunded.
The match was seen as a key opportunity for India to gain experience with the pink ball under lights, especially for captain Rohit Sharma, who had missed the first Test in Perth. India had won that match by 295 runs. It also marked the possible return of Shubman Gill, who had missed the Perth Test due to a thumb injury but had returned to the nets in Canberra on Friday.
The two teams will now look ahead to the second Test, a day-night game starting December 6 in Adelaide. This venue holds particular significance for India, who were bowled out for just 36 runs during their last outing at the ground.
As Sunday’s game looms, both teams will be eager to get some game time under their belts before the crucial Test series continues.
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