Play abandoned for second day

India's preparations for the first Test, starting on Saturday at Bloemfontein, suffered a setback when the second day's play in the three-day match against South Africa 'A' was abandoned on Tuesday.

Despite the morning being bright and sunny, the umpires announced their decision after inspecting the outfield almost a couple of hours before the scheduled start.

"I haven't seen such a wet outfield for a very long time," said India coach John Wright, as he returned disappointed from the venue along with manager M K Bhargava.

It is evident that more than the drizzle on Monday night, it is the poor drainage facility at the Chatsworth Oval that is to blame for what has cost the Indians invaluable practice before the first Test against South Africa.

On Monday, the first day's play was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

This is the only warm-up fixture before the start of the Test series and whether the game will be restricted to a one- day affair remains to be decided. The general opinion is that even if there is uninterrupted sunshine for the rest of Tuesday, there is little chance of play being held at all on the last day of the match on Wednesday.

Umpire Wilf Diedricks said, "We can't play in these conditions. We have a responsibility to the Indian players who are playing a Test on Saturday."

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Mail Cricket Editor