Play abandoned, ODI ruled out

Play abandoned, ODI ruled out
Agence France Presse

Centurion Park (SA), Jan 17: Play in the rain-hit fifth and final cricket Test between South Africa and England was abandoned without a ball being bowled for the third successive day on Monday.

England captain Nasser Hussain offered to play a one-day match tomorrow but officials said this would not be possible.

Umpire Darrell Hair said the ground was drying at a slow rate in overcast conditions.

Ali Bacher, managing director of SA board, said a one-day match on Tuesday was not possible because of broadcasting and sponsorship contracts. Hair said once a Test had started it had to be played out and could not be changed into a different form of game.