Thursday, March 28, 2024

Fourth day of Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test abandoned due to wet outfield

Fourth day of Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test abandoned due to wet outfield
December 14, 2019

RAWALPINDI – Play on the fourth day of the Rawalpindi Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was abandoned without a ball bowled due to a wet outfield on Saturday.

So far in the Test – the first in Pakistan in over 10 years – only 91.5 overs have been sent down in four days, with Sri Lanka 282/6 in their first innings. Only 5.2 overs were possible on the third day, and though there were hopes of more play being possible on the fourth, overnight rains left the outfield in no condition for it. There was a drizzle before the day began, and though that eased out ahead of the scheduled start at 9.45am local time, the outfield was left significantly damp, and the covers were on throughout. There were no updates forthcoming either as the day wore on, and when one finally came, shortly into the scheduled lunch break, it wasn’t a good one: play was called off for the day, with the umpires unable to see a scenario where the conditions – including the light, which has also been a cause of concern over the last few days – would improve. The final day will begin, as per regulations, 30 minutes early, and there is a better forecast for Sunday as compared to the last three days. –ICC