India vs Australia: Rain halts buoyant India's march

A buoyant India's march to achieve their best-ever result in a Test series against Australia was halted as the opening day's play of the third cricket Test between India and Australia called off without a ball being bowled.

Not a single ball could be bowled till lunch after the toss was delayed due to inclement weather.

India, who have never won more than two Tests in a single series against the team from Down Under, are leading the four-match series 2-0 after convincing victories in the last two outings in Chennai and Hyderabad.

And given Australia's meek surrenders in both Chennai and Hyderabad, there is a high possibility of the visitors being whitewashed by the hosts, who have so far been confidence personified under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The weather Gods, however, could come in the way of what Dhoni and his men would love to achieve, especially against an opponent who had thrashed them the last time they crossed swords, albeit in Australia.

The Indian team was learnt to have returned to the hotel even as the Australians enjoyed a morning cup of tea, after the outfield was rendered wet due to incessant rain, barely hours before the start of the match at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.

A few from the Australian camp, including coach Mickey Arthur, were however seen having a jovial chat on the ground.

The super soakers were out in the field as the groundsmen got down to get the surface back in shape for the match. The few heads totting the stands at the PCA stadium, watched in helplessness, as the grounds men carried on what seemed like a futile mopping-up operation.

The rain seems to have subsided for the time being, but the thick cloud cover is showing no signs of abating. True, the sun peeped out, but disappeared before one could blink.

... contd.

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