India vs West Indies, 4th Test, Day 3 at Port of Spain
Play called off:
A wet outfield, followed by heavy showers, meant that the umpires were forced to call off the play for the day. A second day in succession being abandoned without a single ball being bowled has dealt a big blow to India's prospects of retaining the No. 1 ranking. With the outfield taking a long time to dry, and the unavailability of a super-sopper, puts the fourth day's play too under doubt.
Heavens open up:
As expected, the dark clouds that were hovering above the ground, brought with them a heavy spell of rain, forcing more covers to be brought on. Even the area that was dug up to hasten the drying process, had to be covered. This should be the end of the day's play, official confirmation awaited. Considering the abysmal drainage at the ground and the limited resources available for the groundsmen, it could well be the end of the Test.
Update:
Just when the umpires were getting ready for the inspection, dark clouds forced the groundsmen to bring the covers on. With a portion of the outfield already dug up, the Test maybe as good as over if the intensity of the rain increases.
Build-up:
The first session on day one saw 22 overs being played, following which there has been no action at all in the fourth Test at Port of Spain, apart from groundsmen being kept busy and the umpires doing some inspections from time to time. While rain played spoilsport on day one, washing out the second and third sessions, no play was possible at all on day two, despite no rain. A wet outfield forced the day's play to be called off and inadequate drying facilities at the ground added to the woes.
While day three was again expected to begin early, the outfield is still soggy, leading to a further delay. "Folks here have some questions to answer. Not having a Super Sopper is unacceptable," said Viv Richards, disappointed with the facilities at the ground. A pitch fork was used to check how much the outfield has dried, but the signs weren't promising as the fork sank in with ease, indicating the wetness underneath. After several inspections on day two which did not provide any positive news, another inspection has been scheduled for today, at 11:00 AM local time. Will there be a different script today?
Unfortunately for the Indian team, which needs a victory to remain No. 1 in the Test rankings, there aren't any promising news. Thunderstorms have been forecast for later today, and in case the intensity of the showers happen to be as much as it was on day one, this Test is as good as over. But for now, fingers crossed.
© Cricket Fever
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