The New Zealand coach, Steve Rixon, had expressed disappointment at the decision by the Indian management not to extend the Test by a day. At the end of the second day, New Zealand had approached the match referee, Australian Barry Jarman, and suggested it would be a good idea to make up the lost time. India decided this would affect their build-up for the second Test, due to start on Saturday 26 in Wellington, so they declined the opportunity to play the extra day.

Although I can see their reasoning, the situation would have been thesame for both teams. My personal feeling is there is an obligation in today's environment to get the game played in fair and equal conditions. However, I don't think it is fair to ask the tourists to agree to a change in playing conditions at such short notice. The decision should be taken out of the hands of both teams. The ICC could give the match referee discretionary powers to make a decision such as this, which is in the best interests of both teams and the game.

Good sense however has prevailed with both teams keen to play an unofficial one-day exhibition match under lights. The New Zealand players approached Chris Doig, the chief executive officer of the NZC, and said they would like to play a one-day match and give people of Dunedin a chance to see both teams in action. Gaekwad said they too would like to play. This is a fine gesture by the tourists. Tomorrow's scheduled 50-overs one-day match, due to start at 2.30pm local time, will be a unique occasion because it will be the first time aday/night will be played under lights with a red ball and the players wearing whites. This poses an interesting situation because batting under lights with a red ball has not been tested yet. The question is whether the ball can be seen satisfactorily so that the batting team is not disadvantaged. Doig said this could help determine whether a Test match can be played under lights in the future.

Provided the rain stops and the groundsman has at least three hours to prepare the wicket, the captain winning the toss would prefer to bowl and exploit the fresh conditions, break the backbone of the opposition's batting line-up and dismiss them for 120-150. However, batting last under lights could be a disadvantage. It would be a good toss to lose, so just as well it is an unofficial match.