Persistent rain washes out opening day in Bengaluru

Rain ensured that no play was possible on the opening day of the first Test between India and New Zealand ©BCCI

On the first day of the first Test between India and New Zealand at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium, rain prevented play. On Wednesday, October 16, around 14:30, the play was canceled.

Even the Sub-Air system, which can soak up to 10,000 liters of water per minute, was unable to make much of a dent in the day's heavy and light drizzle. Play is anticipated to begin at 9:15 a.m., weather permitting, following the toss at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday.

After Stumps were called, the rain stopped briefly, so the pitch covers were taken off for the first time that day and technical work that could have taken more time tomorrow morning was done. India captain Rohit Sharma visited the pitch as grass was sprinkled over wet spots on the square.

Bengaluru is already under Orange Alert, with schools closed and office workers advised to work from home as additional rain is anticipated throughout the day.