Tour Match: South African Board President's XI v Indians at Chatsworth, 29-31 Oct 2001 CricInfo Live Report

Tour Match: South African Board President's XI v Indians at Chatsworth, 29-31 Oct 2001
Peter Robinson

Pre-game: Delay, Abandon,

FIRST DAY'S PLAY IN INDIAN TOUR MATCH ABANDONED

No play was possible on the first day of India's three-day match against a President's XI at Chatsworth on Monday because of a sodden outfield.

Efforts to make conditions fit for play eventually proved futile and it was decided around noon to send the players back to their hotel.

Although very little rain fell in central Durban overnight, poor drainage and a lack of euipment combined to thwart the efforts of the groundstaff. If more ran falls on Monday night it is possible that the second day may have to be called off as well and discussions have been held with a view to moving the match to an alternate venue, although no decision about this has yet been made.

DAMP OUTFIELD DELAYS START OF INDIA'S MATCH IN CHATSWORTH

The start of India’s three-day game against a President’s XI at the Chatsworth Oval on Monday has been delayed because of a marshy outfield, the consequence of heavy overnight rain.

An inspection was to be made of the conditions at 12 noon after which it would be decided whether any play at all would be possible. The prospects, however, did not seem good.

If no play is possible, then the game will become a two-day affair. The game is India’s only warm-up ahead of the first Test match against South Africa which starts in Bloemfontein on Saturday.