India vs South Africa Bangalore Test Highlights Day 4: Rain, Wet Outfield Wash Out Play For the Third Consecutive Day
The second Test between India and South Africa in Bangalore was washed out for the third consecutive day, leaving fans and players frustrated. Relive all the highlights here.
For some time on the fourth day, there was some optimism. The rain had stopped and the ground staff were working furiously. After two inspections, there was some cheer when umpires decided that play could begin at 2:00 PM IST. However, within five minutes, the rain returned and the match was washed out for the third consecutive day. Relive all the moments here. (SCORECARD |VIDEOS | LATEST NEWS)
14:40 hrs IST: Before we leave, here is a bit of good news from the Cricket All-Stars. Shane Warne, Australia's champion spinner, has gotten reunited with Liz Hurley. Here is that story.
14:33 hrs IST: It was waiting to happen. Play has been called off and for the third consecutive day, it is a total washout. This Test is heading towards a watery finish. If any play happens on the final day, then it will start at 9:15 AM. Join us then.
14:24 hrs IST: The umpires are having a chat with Virat Kohli and the rain has gotten heavier. This could mean the end of the day's play. We are awaiting official confirmation.
14:12 hrs IST: Mitchell Johnson was thinking about retirement heading into the Perth Test. He announced it on Tuesday and he was clear on his decision. He remarked, "I'm not sure I can continue competing consistently at level required to wear the baggy green." We will miss Johnson's aggression with the ball.
14:06 hrs IST: The fans are thoroughly frustrated. The players are equally frustrated. The situation is not looking good in Bangalore.
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13:53 hrs IST: While Chinnaswamy gets delayed due to rain, the match at Perth has resumed with New Zealand on 27/0. They will have to survive 38 overs if they are to get to Adelaide trailing 0-1.
13:38 hrs IST: All the covers are coming onto the field now. Most of the ground is under wraps as the rain picks up. We are now reaching the stage where the match could be washed out for the third consecutive day.
13:20 hrs IST: Heights of frustration! Everything was being put in place for the 2:00 PM start but the rain has returned. The stumps have been removed and the covers are back in place. One could feel the fury amongst the fans. One has to sympathise with the groundsman. They put in so much hard work.
13:10 hrs IST: Finally, a roar goes up at the Chinnaswamy as the umpires give the good news. Play will begin at 2:00 PM. After two and a half days, there will be some action. Here are the revised playing conditions. A minimum of 45 overs will be bowled. First session will be from 14:00 hrs IST to 15:30 hrs IST. The final session will be from 15:50 hrs IST to 17:15 hrs IST.
12:50 hrs IST: We are coming close to the inspection and there should be good news. It has been bright in Bangalore and the conditions have improved significantly on the ground. The umpires have to go out and make the announcement.
12:37 hrs IST: With rain affecting both WACA and Bangalore, it must be frustrating for the two milestone men. AB de Villiers' 100th Test has been spoilt while Mitchell Johnson's farewell could be potentially washed out.
12:20 hrs IST: The impact of rain has shifted from Bangalore to Perth. I have to really stress on my mind to think when was the last time a match was halted in Perth due to rain. Rain stops play, not in Chinnaswamy, but at the WACA.
12:00 hrs IST: Meanwhile, over in Perth, New Zealand have been given a target of 321 in 48 overs after Australia declared at 385/7. Will they go for an unlikely win or will they hang on for a draw?
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11:42 hrs IST: The problem for the umpires seem to be the area around deep extra cover. There are some bare patches on the field which are still wet and the umpires feel that the ground staff need more time.
11:35 hrs IST: One would have thought that this new update will bring some cheer. However, that is not the case. The umpires have decided to have another inspection at 1:00 PM as they feel the outfield is still not good enough for play to begin.
11:21 hrs IST: The umpires were walking very gingerly during the 10:00 AM inspection. One hopes for something positive in the 11:30 AM inspection.
11:10 hrs IST: With the sun shining in Bangalore after two days, the fans would be hoping to see some action soon. However, with the outfield having taken an enormous pounding due to the rain, the wait will have to continue unfortunately.
10:57 hrs IST: The sun has come out in Bangalore. This is a very good sign for the Test and for the groundsman who are working hard. The chances of the match happening are also brightening up.
10:37 hrs IST: Over in Perth, Lunch has been taken on the final day and the match is tensely poised. Australia lead by 266 with five wickets remaining. Mitchell Johnson, playing in his last match, has made an aggressive 20 off 23 balls. What impact will he have with the bat and ball in his final outing?
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10:32 hrs IST: Ajinkya Rahane is having a steady batting session in the nets as he waits fir play to take place. This is called dedication.
10:20 hrs IST: The main concern for the umpires during the 10:00 AM inspection was the bowler's run-up and one particular area around the cover region that looked dicey. The ground staff are spraying sand on the areas to ensure that they dry up soon.
10:12 hrs IST: The good news lasted just two minutes. There will be another inspection at 11:30 AM and the first session has been lost yet again.
10:10 hrs IST: The covers are off and the inspection is going on. These are encouraging signs. One would be hoping that the outfield is not too wet.
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09:58 hrs IST: The covers are being slowly peeled off from the pitch as well. Encouraging signs and the ground staff continue the hard work. We are moments away from the inspection.
09:50 hrs IST: The time for the inspection is coming close. According to reports, the umpires might take an early lunch and after that, they may decide what time the match might continue.
09:35 hrs IST: Over in Perth, Australia have lost both Steven Smith and Adam Voges. The match is interestingly poised and Mitchell Johnson has come out to the middle. He gets a guard of honour.
09:23 hrs IST: Only the main pitch is covered. There is a lot of work going on in the outfield. Sawdust is being sprinkled and the super-soppers are working hard to ensure that all the moisture has been removed.
09:10 hrs IST: The latest news coming from Bangalore is that there will be an inspection at 10:00 AM and the start time could be decided after that. Currently, it is not raining.
09:00 hrs IST: While we wait for some good news in Bangalore, over in Perth, there has been huge news from the Australian team. Mitchell Johnson, Australia's fourth-highest wicket-taker, has announced his retirement from international cricket.
08:47 hrs IST: A warm-welcome to day four of the rain-ruined second Test between India and South Africa. The good news is that it is NOT raining currently. But, with so much rain over the last two days, some parts of the ground are still under wraps. The ground-staff are working extremely hard to ensure that some play can take place today.
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There was a lot to look forward to in the second Test match. In AB de Villiers' 100th Test, India were looking good to go 2-0 up. The first day witnessed another South African batting debacle. India's spin twins Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja once again bowled out the visitors for 214. (Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin Put Hosts on Top on Day 1)
Shikhar Dhawan looked composed for the first time in the Test series and Mr Consistent Murali Vijay took India to 80/0. It was the perfect foundation to set up a big score on a slow turner.
The cyclonic storm over Tamil Nadu has left a watery impact on Bangalore and this has probably come as a blessing in disguise for the struggling South Africans. The third Test will be played in Nagpur from November 25.