Bad weather delays start in Kochi

Kochi : The first one-dayer between India and Australia has been delayed due to a wet oufield and the match could be reduced to a 20-overs a side.

Heavy rains in the wee hours delayed the toss between India and Australia at the Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium today and the match is likely to resume around noon after inspection.

The umpires inspected the conditions at 9:00 am but found the areas near the bowlers run-up and a few parts near the boundary lines quite damp. They decided to carry out another inspection at 11:00 am to make a final call.

It is expected that the match could be reduced to be a 20-20 affair. The ground staff are mopping up the water on the field with sponges.

Both India and Australian players are still indoors at the hotel and after the first inspection of the pitch and the outfield by match referee Chris Broad, they would be asked to leave the hotel for the ground.

Kochi has been witnessing heavy downpour since last Thursday which washed out the practice sessions of both the teams.

The Indian and Australian team members had reached here on Thursday after the second Test in Bangalore, which the host won. India had also won the first Test at Mohali.
News From: http://www.Time2timeNews.com