Follow UsThe toss in the first Test between India and New Zealand has been delayed due to heavy morning rain in Bengaluru on Wednesday (October 16). Bengaluru has been experiencing continuous rainfall this week, building up from Monday evening.
In fact, the forecast shows plenty of rain until next Wednesday, putting the Bengaluru Test in jeopardy. As per a PTI report, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange’ alert in Bengaluru due to this heavy rain forecast. Schools were also shut in the city on October 16 for the same reason.
The covers have been in place since morning with no activity on the outfield as the rain has not stopped. The teams also didn’t arrive at the ground, hinting at a long delay.
The Indian team had to cancel their practice session a day before the Test while New Zealand opted for an indoor session at the National Cricket Academy.
This is New Zealand’s second consecutive Test in India getting affected by rain. Last month, the Kiwis were in Greater Noida to face Afghanistan but heavy rain and inadequate outfield turned it into the first Test in the 21st century to be abandoned without a ball being bowled. The New Zealand team then toured Sri Lanka and are now back in India, with the rain gods threatening another Test.
However, unlike the issue in Greater Noida, the drainage is quite brilliant at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, reducing the turnout time if and when the weather clears.
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