IND vs NZ 1st Test: Day 1 Called off Due to Rain; Check Revised Session Timings for Day 2

Rain comepltely washed out the opening day of the first Test, without a ball being bowled, between India and New Zealand at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

The southern Indian city has been lashed by rain for the past 48 hours and more wet weather is forecast in the coming days. Preparations for the first match of the three-Test series were also hit by the weather with training for both teams cancelled on Tuesday.

After persistent rain at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday umpires called off the day at 2:30 pm (0900 GMT).

The toss is now set for 8:45 am on Thursday if it dries up.

Revised Session Timings, Day 2

• Morning session: 9:15 -11:30
• Afternoon session: 12:10 – 14:25
• Evening session: 14:45 – 16:45

They might have to wait further for action even on the second day as the current forecast is for more rain on Thursday at least till noon.

It was also announced that 15 minutes have been added to each of the first and second sessions, with 98 overs to be bowled on day two. The morning session will begin at 9:15am and conclude at 11:30 am, following which teams will take a lunch break.

The afternoon session is scheduled to be played from 12:10 to 2:25 pm, and is followed by the tea break. The final session will take place from 2:45 to 4:45pm.

New Zealand’s one-off Test against Afghanistan near New Delhi was abandoned last month without a ball being bowled after five days of rain.

The second Test begins in Pune on October 24 and the third is in Mumbai on November 1.

India is currently atop the World Test Championship standings, and a 3-0 win in this series against New Zealand would all but assure its spot for the final at Lord’s next June.

After beating Bangladesh 2-0 in the preceding test series, a full-strength Indian squad was once again available for selection.

New Zealand has already been on a long sub-continental tour. It began with the one-off washed-out test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida, India, followed by a 2-0 loss in Sri Lanka.

(With inputs from Agencies)