India vs Sri Lanka 2017: Rain threat ahead of first Test in Kolkata

What's the story?

The three-match series between India and Sri Lanka is set to get underway at the historic Eden Gardens on tomorrow (16 November) and there are chances that there might not be any play possible on the first day of the Test.

The ground has been under the covers since last night and the Indian team's practice session, which was scheduled to take place earlier today, was called off due to bad weather and light showers in the morning.

The Met department officials have forecasted that there are chances of showers till Saturday, which may affect the first three days of the match.

In case you didn't know....

The first of the three Test matches will be played in Kolkata before the teams move to Nagpur and New Delhi for the second and third Test respectively. Following the Test series, the teams will play three ODIs in Dharamsala, Mohali and Vizag and three T20Is in Cuttack, Indore and Mumbai.

All-rounder Hardik Pandya was rested for the first two Test matches so that he can recover and be fresh for the upcoming assignments. Apart from Hardik, the team that played in Sri Lanka remains the same.

Details

The Indian team were scheduled to have a practice session today morning followed by a press conference in which skipper Virat Kohli will address the media. The session could not take place due to rain but the Indian skipper spoke to the media persons on few things.

Kohli said that the 22-yard strip that will be used for the game looks like a sporting wicket with a lot of grass on it and the players are looking forward to playing on the wicket.

What's next?

Ever since it started raining, the entire ground has been covered to make sure that the rain won't affect the outfield. Also, the Cricket Association of Bengal have revamped their drainage facilities and the drainage at the Eden Gardens is easily one of the best in the country. So, if the rain stops, there won't be a long delay in the play getting underway.

Author's Take

A match getting ruined by rain is the last thing a Cricket fan will ask for. Though the Met officials have predicted rainfall till Saturday, there are chances that it may stop earlier paving way for the match. Let's hope that the rain gods show some mercy and let some action happen on the three days.