Why play wouldn't have been possible even if rain stopped on Day 1?

Persistent rain washed off the first day’s play of the Bengaluru Test between India and New Zealand on Wednesday (October 16). Bengaluru has been experiencing continuous rainfall this week, building up from Monday evening. 

The signs for play on upcoming days ain’t bright either, with rain predicted throughout this week in Bengaluru. As per a PTI report, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange’ alert in Bengaluru due to this heavy rain forecast. Schools were also shut in the city on October 16 for the same reason. 

The covers were in place for most of the day. Given Chinnaswamy Stadium’s excellent drainage system, the officials, as well as the fans, were hopeful of some play on Day 1 in case the rain settled down. However, that didn’t happen, with constant light drizzle. The groundsmen did try to work on the outfield during what was supposed to be the second session, but a big shower at around 2:30 PM diminished any chance of play. 

Furthermore, the broadcasters were yet to set up the Hawk-Eye mapping, which is necessary for the Decision Review System (DRS) calls for lbw decisions. As former Indian cricketer and selector Saba Karim from the host broadcasting team said, the process takes 90 to 120 minutes and couldn’t be done a day before the Test because of rain. 

The rain also cancelled yesterday’s practice session for India, while New Zealand opted for an indoor session at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Consequently, play was called off around 2:30 PM. With conditions getting better in the evening, it is hoped that the Hawk-Eye mapping will be done before Day 2. 

The second day’s play will start 15 minutes earlier (ie 9.15 am IST). 15 minutes will be added to both the first and the second session with 98 overs targeted in the day. Meanwhile, the forecast for Thursday isn’t great either. 

And since it is effectively a four-day Test now, the team batting first will only need to lead by 150 or more (not 200) to enforce follow-on. 

This is New Zealand’s second consecutive Test in India getting affected by rain. Last month, the Kiwis were in Greater Noida to face Afghanistan, but heavy rain and an inadequate outfield turned it into the first Test in the 21st century to be abandoned without a ball being bowled. The Kiwis have now had six consecutive abandoned days of Test cricket in India. 

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