Cricket continued to remain a slave of the weather godswith monsoon rains forcing the first one-day international between India and SriLanka to be abandoned today.
The match was to be resumed after being suspended last evening, but overnightand morning showers made sure no play was possible at the Sinhalese Sports Clubground.
Even yesterday, only 22 balls were bowled after the start was delayed byfour-and-half hours due to wet ground conditions caused by persistent rainsthe previous night.
Play was stopped due to bad light with India 11 for no loss after electing tobat, and soon the thick clouds hanging over the ground burst open and left theground flooded.
The umpires and organisers had hoped for a delayed start today, but theheavens literally poured cold water on their hopes with another sharp spell thatleft the groundsmen with an improbable task on their hands.
However, minutes after the match was called off, the sun broke through theclouds. The officials would be praying that the weather holds good and allows thesecond match, scheduled to be played at the same ground tomorrow.
It has been a jinxed series to the say the least.
What was supposed to be a tri-series was reduced to a three-match bilateralaffair after South Africa cried off the tour after a bomb exploded less than twokms from their hotel on Monday, the day of the series opener.
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PTI
