30-Nov-2024, 12:40 PM
The two-day warm-up match between India and the Prime Minister’s XI at Manuka Oval in Canberra has been significantly impacted by persistent rain, delaying the start of play. Initially scheduled for November 30, 2024, the toss was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions, with heavy drizzle beginning early in the morning and showing no signs of abating. As of now, officials have indicated that the rain is expected to continue throughout the day, raising concerns about the possibility of any play occurring at all.
Umpires were seen inspecting the pitch and discussing conditions with ground staff while a supersopper was deployed to assist with drainage efforts. However, the continuous rainfall has left the pitch covered and unplayable, leading to a bleak outlook for cricket enthusiasts hoping to see action. The official start time has long passed, and further updates on the situation are awaited.
This warm-up match is crucial for India’s preparations ahead of their second Test against Australia in Adelaide, particularly as it will be played with a pink ball under day-night conditions. The Indian team, led by returning captain Rohit Sharma—who missed the first Test due to personal reasons—was looking forward to utilizing this opportunity to acclimatize to the challenges posed by the pink ball. Players like Shubman Gill were also eager to gain match practice after recovering from injuries.
Despite the rain, both teams were present at the venue, with Indian players engaging in discussions while waiting for conditions to improve. The Prime Minister’s XI squad includes several promising talents who will be keen to make an impression against a full-strength Indian side.
The weather disruptions not only hinder India’s preparation but also raise questions about their readiness for the upcoming Test match. The last time India faced Australia in a pink-ball Test, they suffered a humiliating defeat, which adds pressure on them to perform well this time around.
As fans and players alike await further developments, hopes remain that weather conditions will improve enough to allow some form of play over the next couple of days. However, forecasts suggest that rain may continue to be a significant factor affecting this warm-up match.
