The much-anticipated first Test between India and New Zealand at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium has been heavily affected by persistent rain. The first session of Day 1 was officially washed out as heavy showers continued to drench the ground, leaving fans eagerly awaiting any updates on when play might commence.
Rain Halts Play, Uncertainty Looms
Rain has been the key talking point of the day as the Indian and New Zealand teams wait for conditions to improve. According to reports, there was some hope when rain stopped briefly, and covers started coming off. However, another drizzle hit the stadium, causing further delays. Ground staff have been on high alert, trying their best to dry the pitch, but with a high chance of further rain, it remains uncertain if there will be any play today.
Saba Karim talks about Hawkeye and rain
Saba Karim highlighted the delay in using the Hawk-Eye technology due to the ground conditions. He explained that Hawk-Eye formatting typically takes place after the covers are removed, a process that usually takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is usually done on the eve of the game, but since the pitch had been under covers since the previous day, the procedure had not yet been completed. The delayed removal of covers impacted the timely setup of the technology, and hence, it couldn’t be fully operational for the match until the required procedure was carried out.
“The Hawk-Eye formatting needs to happen after the covers are removed. That generally takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and it happens on the eve of the game, but since the surface was under covers from yesterday, that procedure is yet to happen”, Saba Karim said.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Under Pressure
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and former captain Virat Kohli will be under the spotlight in this Test series. With both players facing criticism for recent performances, they will be eager to prove their mettle in the longest format. Kohli is on the verge of crossing the 9,000-run mark in Test cricket, needing just 53 more runs to achieve this milestone.
Despite these personal goals, the duo is more focused on helping India maintain their winning streak. India comes into this series on the back of six consecutive Test wins, including a recent victory against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Rohit, in particular, has been vocal about ensuring the team isn’t overly dependent on a few players, stating that building bench strength will be crucial for future success.
New Zealand’s Challenge Without Kane Williamson
New Zealand will be missing their star captain Kane Williamson due to injury, with Tom Latham leading the team in his absence. The Kiwis are coming off a disappointing whitewash in Sri Lanka and will face a tough challenge against an Indian side known for dominating on home soil.
Latham acknowledged the threat posed by India’s pace attack, which includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep. He emphasized that while India is known for its spinners, their pacers could be equally dangerous, particularly in conditions that suit swing and seam movement.
Key Players to Watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill
Among the younger players, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have been in great form in Test cricket. Both will be key figures for India in this series as they continue to solidify their places in the team’s future. Rohit Sharma, during the pre-match press conference, heaped praise on Jaiswal, highlighting his hunger for runs and his drive to continuously improve.
Bengaluru Weather Forecast: Rain Likely to Impact Further Play
According to weather reports from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), there are significant chances of rain over the next few days, which could severely hamper the Test match. Accuweather predicts a 41% chance of rain, suggesting more disruptions could be on the cards. Despite the excellent drainage system at Chinnaswamy Stadium, the consistent rain showers have made it difficult for the ground staff to prepare the outfield for play.
Looking Ahead: Hopes for a Break in the Weather
With one session already washed out and the likelihood of more interruptions, the first Test could see a reduced number of overs if rain continues to interfere. Both teams and fans will be hoping for a window of clear skies that would allow at least some play today. If the rain ceases soon, umpires will conduct another inspection before deciding if the conditions are fit for cricket.
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