New Delhi:
Test cricket returned to Pakistan after 10 years and nine months. The terror attack on March 1, 2009 at the Sri Lankan cricket team when they were headed to the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore saw the end of international teams touring Pakistan. Sri Lanka, though, fittingly returned for the Tests and the first Test at Rawalpindi was the first since Rahul Dravid's epic 270 helped India win the match by an innings and the series 2-1. However, the occasion, though historic has turned into a damp squib.
The third day of the first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was called off after just 5.2 overs were bowled. On the second day, only 18.2 overs were possible as rain and a wet outfield forced the day to be truncated. Only on the first day were 68.1 overs possible but the full 90 overs could not be bowled due to bad light. On day 3 of the Test, heavy overnight rain had forced the first session to be called off and the covers came off only after the lunch break.
At 13:10 local time, Dhananjaya de Silva got going with a boundary as he neared a century. However, the light deteriorated and players were given the marching orders by the umpires. The light did not improve and early tea was taken. The conditions did not improve and play was called off.
Umpire Michael Gough said due to the security situation, no official can come early and issue directions to the ground staff as to when the covers can be removed. "Because of security issues, nobody can get to the ground early. When we get to the ground and give some direction, it's a bit late. Looking at the forecast, it's one of those things where you sit tight, fingers crossed, and hope for some cricket at some point."
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On the first day, a drizzle and bad light resulted in the loss of 22.5 overs. With only one third of the stipulated 270 overs being bowled on all the three days, it looks very difficult for a result in this match. However, the weather forecast for Rawalpindi is fair for the upcoming two days. After the end of this match, Sri Lanka will travel to Karachi for the second and final Test which will be part of the ICC World Test Championship.
