Bad light affected play on the first two days in the second Test between India and Australia at the Chinnaswamy stadium. While play was called off with 4.1 overs left on the opening day, day two was no different.
However, the umpires persisted for as long as it was possible before asking players to leave the field with just four balls left to be bowled in the day.
For the record, India, replying to Australia's mammoth first innings score of 478, had scored 128 for two (in 34.2 overs) at close.
The late decision came in as a surprise to the Indian players.
"We were shocked," said Murali Vijay, regarding the decision. The opener was unbeaten on 42, alongside Sachin Tendulkar (44 not out) when stumps were drawn.
"The umpires should have called off the day's play a lot earlier," explained Vijay, adding, "Batting in the last three-to-four overs wasn't easy."
The fact that Australia had spinners -- Michael Clarke and Nathan Hauritz - bowling from both ends towards the close didn't help matters either.
"Even though spinners were bowling from both the ends, we were missing a lot of balls," reasoned Vijay, who also admitted that the wicket was getting worse.
"The wicket is deteriorating, it has become two-faced," said Vijay, adding, "It is certainly not easy to bat on now.
"We have to work out a plan."
This was in sharp contrast to the day's opening two sessions when the visitors dominated, taking their score from 285 for five (overnight) to 478 -- their best ever total in a Test at Bangalore.
"The wicket looked good to bat in the morning," admitted Vijay, before hinting a bit at where the home team went wrong.
"Nothing was happening for the bowlers and the fact that initially we conceded a few boundaries didn't go in our favour," he said, adding, "However, we brought things under control in the second session."
Whatever be the case, India still have a lot of work to do if they are to stop Australia from taking a significant step to winning the Test.
The home team will begin day three 350 runs adrift of the visitors' total, on a wicket that is "deteriorating."
