Mohali Test: Met department predicts rainless day on Friday

After the opening day's play of the third Test match between India and Australia was called off without a ball being bowled due to heavy downpour, the Meteorological Department forecast a rainless day on Friday.

"We are expecting the weather to be somewhat cloudy but hopeful of a rainless day," Chandigarh's Meteorological Department director, Surinder Paul said.

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) joint secretary, GS Walia informed that the match would start half an hour early from Friday to make up for the loss of play on Thursday.

It had been raining in Mohali and the adjoining areas since early morning on Thursday.

Even though the PCA stadium has one of the best water-drainage systems in the country and even the super soakers were out in the field with the groundsmen trying to get the surface back in shape for the match, but continuous rains did not allow the play to start.

Walia said "we have the best drainage system, but rain has to stop".