Updated on November 18, 2015 at 12:10 PM IST: After four days of continuous rainfall in Bengaluru, the second test match between India and South Africa has been called off. At around 11:00 am, it started to drizzle again, just 30 minutes before the second inspection.
As per the umpires, the outfield was not in good shape and with the forecast of continuous rain on Day 5, the match was called off. The match ended in a draw. So far India leads the series 1-0.
Updated on November 18, 2015 at 10:40 AM IST: The last three days have been a rainy affair in Bengaluru. Play was only possible on Day 1 and Day 2, 3 and 4 were called off due to rainy and damp weather. As reiterated by Skymet, light rain continues on Day 5 and the game has not begun yet.
Presently, overcast sky conditions persist due to low and medium clouds. Light rain will continue throughout the day with short breaks in between. The game may be called off on Day 5 as well, resulting in the washout of the match.
Updated on November 17, 2015 at 1:15 PM IST: Despite the best efforts of grounds men, no play was possible during the first session on Day 4. As of now, intermittent rain showers are likely to continue over Bengaluru for the next 2 to 3 days.
Such conditions are not favorable for a result-oriented contest. A trough extends from Rayalaseema to Kerala, and across south-interior Karnataka near Bengaluru. As a result, cloudy conditions will persistent light rain showers are expected to continue. Day 5 will be no different with similar conditions likely to prevail.
Updated on November 17, 2015 at 9:30 AM IST: Although the intensity of rain over Bengaluru Test venue has taken a fall, the possibility of light showers remains. Mostly overcast conditions are expected on Day 4. The real challenge now is to prepare the pitch and the outfield for play.
There's enough clouding over northern parts of the state and some weather activity is likely in Bengaluru city also. Any further interruptions on account of rain will push the match towards a draw.
The covers have been removed and grounds men are doing their best to make the ground match-ready. Skymet's forecast suggests that Day 5 is likely to be as good as Day 1. However, with only two days left to go in the game, and more importantly only 5 more sessions remaining, chances of a result look bleak.
Updated on November 16, 2015 at 1:01 PM IST: As expected, play has been called off on Day 3 of the Bengaluru Test after rain did not allow players to take field. In total, we have now lost close to 1.5 days of cricket.
More rain is forecast for tomorrow and day after. Ground authorities may have a really difficult time readying the pitch and the outfield, if and when the rain stops.
Day 5 will bring some respite in the form of partly cloudy conditions, but even then, short spells of light rain may cause more trouble. Simply speaking, Bengaluru test is heading towards a washout.
Updated on November 16, 2015 at 09:50 AM IST: As reiterated by Skymet Meteorology Division in India, rain in Bengaluru has delayed the match on Day 3. Umpires have taken an early call and no game is to be played until lunch time. Constant downpours have led to cold, and damp weather in the capital city of Karnataka.
Good rains are likely to continue till Day 4. However, there might be some respite from incessant showers on Day 5. But, light rain will continue to cause interruptions in the game.
Updated on November 15, 2015 at 2:30 PM IST: Play on Day 2 has been called off due to incessant rain. The covers are on and conditions look grim. As per Skymet Meteorology Division in India, good rains are expected till Day 4. This translates into multiple episodes of delay and interruption in play.
On Day 5, weather will be a little forgiving. Overcast conditions will prevail but chances of light rain showers cannot be ruled out. Bangalore is inching towards its all-time monthly rainfall record and is likely to overhaul it in a few days or so.
Updated on November 15, 2015 at 01:00 PM IST: As reiterated by Skymet, rain has led to delay in start of play at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Day 2. Overcast conditions prevailed all through Day 1. Light rain showers did not allow play to start on Day 2 and the first session was washed out.
Skymet had forecast a rainy Bengaluru Test and with more rain expected over the next 72 hours, multiple delays and interruptions can be expected throughout the game. Partly cloudy conditions will continue to prevail and temperatures will settle in the mid-20s.
The pitch will now absorb more moisture and is likely to turn damp. The absence of ample amount of sunshine will make matters worse. India will look to consolidate a dominating first innings total as four complete innings may not be possible.
Story first published on November 13, 2015: Bengaluru Test between India and South Africa is scheduled to start on Saturday, November 14. The second Test match of the four-match series is likely to be marred by rain as the Proteas look to level the series. Weather during Bengaluru Test is expected to cause multiple delays and interruptions.
Day 1 will see very little or no rain and a full days’ play is expected on November 14. Rain is expected to start by evening, on Day 2. But moderate to heavy rainfall is likely on Day 3 and 4. On and off rain showers will keep troubling the players and grounds men alike. After Day 4, rain will subside and only patchy rainfall is expected on the final day.
Winds from the northeast direction, measuring about 10 to 15 kmph, will continue to blow over the region. Temperatures will settle in the bracket of 25 to 27 degree Celsius. Overall, pleasant and comfortable weather conditions will prevail at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, despite high humidity levels. To sum it up, weather during Bengaluru Test will surely impact the result of the fixture.
There’s news from the Proteas camp that JP Duminy might be making a comeback in the Bengaluru Test. Meanwhile, star pacer Dale Steyn is still doubtful for the second Test match. Strike bowler Vernon Philander, who injured his ankle during a warm-up football game earlier in the week, has been ruled out of the remainder of the series. Kyle Abbott is likely to replace Philander.
Kohli’s camp will also see a few changes. As ongoing rain continues to trouble pitch preparations at M Chinnaswamy, a spin-friendly track is highly unlikely. In such a scenario, Kohli may consider the proposition of a predominant pace attack. This will be in stark contrast to the Mohali Test where India’s spin bowlers almost single-handedly won the game for the team. Umesh Yadav, who has been struggling to perform, will be replaced by Ishant Sharma. Overcast conditions will prevail for most part of the Test match, thereby providing assistance to the fast bowlers.
South Africa will miss the services of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander during the second Test match. This is mainly due to the nature of the pitch and the fact that the track has remained under cover for long and is enveloped with moisture. Even then, it will be an interesting contest as a batting-friendly Chinnaswamy will foster competitive Test cricket. We will keep you updated on cricket, weather, and more as the Test juggernaut rumbles ahead.
(Featured Image Credit: Cricket South Africa, Twitter)
