Second Test between India and South Africa called off

There was only one day of cricket possible in the Bengaluru Test

The Bengaluru Test between India and South Africa was officially called off after a final inspection at 11.30 on Wednesday morning. No cricket had been possible on the second, third and fourth days, and umpires were not happy with the ground conditions on the final day as well.

This is the first time that we have had four days of complete washout in a Test match played in India. Incidentally, this match enters record books as the shortest Test match where two innings were batted. 81 overs were possible in this match – the previous record was 101.4 overs in a India vs Australia Test in 1986/87.

This is also the 9^th shortest Test ever.

At the post-match press conference, Virat Kohli said, “The bowlers did a commendable job, bowling South Africa out in less than three sessions is something that's very rare. A lot of people were surprised when we decided to field first but our bowlers did justice to the decision. All credit to the bowlers, Bangalore is known for its runs, but our bowlers showed their character. It's a pity that we lost four days when we were in such a strong position.”

He also backed Shikhar Dhawan, the batsman on whom the most pressure is on to perform.

“Shikhar is an impact player and he's done the job in the past and its great to have him back in form. To have Dhawan back in confidence is a big boost for the team. Nothing has changed in the series, we took the confidence from Mohali to Bangalore and we had a good day's play.”

Match was still in balance with time left: Amla

The teams will head to Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur to play the 3rd Test from November 25. India lead the series 1-0, and were in pole position to increase their lead in this match before rains took over at the Chinnaswamy. Bad weather, it can be said, has given South Africa a reprieve, and the series has been effectively made into a 3-match series.

Hashim Amla conceded that his team had not given a good account of themselves on the single day of play possible, but that they were looking forward to bounce back in Nagpur.

“AB getting 85-odd in his 100th Test was a highlight and we are glad to share the moment with him. unfortuntely we didn't bat very well, but it was still in the balance with the time left.”

Virat Kohli had gone against history by choosing to bowl first after winning the toss, but his bowlers had backed their captain to the hilt. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja’s spin proved to be too much to handle for all the batsmen except AB de Villiers, who scored a fluent 85 at a strike rate above 80. Both Ashwin and Jadeja took four wickets, as South Africa were bowled out for 214.

The Indian openers Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan also came out firing all cylinders, reaching 80/0 on the first day.

There was some play to be had though, but not in an official capacity:

So, the sun is out and we finally have some Cricket on. #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/2iL22aZOmF

— Shirin Sadikot (@ShirinSadikot) November 18, 2015

First time in four days we are seeing blue skies at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, but after the Test has been called off! #IndvSA

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) November 18, 2015