Rain wiped out the entire opening day of the first Test between India and New Zealand at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, with play officially called off at 2:30 PM on Wednesday (October 16).
Intermittent light and heavy showers throughout the day rendered even the Sub-Air system, capable of draining 10,000 liters of water per minute, largely ineffective. The toss has now been rescheduled for 8:45 AM on Thursday, with play set to start at 9:15 AM, weather permitting.
After stumps were declared, the rain eased briefly, allowing ground staff to remove the pitch covers for the first time. Essential maintenance work that could have delayed play on Thursday was completed, with grass sprinkled over damp areas of the square. India captain Rohit Sharma also inspected the pitch during this window.
However, more rain is forecast throughout the day, with Bengaluru currently under an Orange Alert. Schools have been closed, and residents have been advised to work from home.
