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16:30 Local Time, 21:00 IST: After far too many breaks, the officals have had more cardio than the players today, and finally, it's all over. It might reflect on their fitness bands, but not much else. As for South Africa, this is one that they were backing themselves to win - but they simply can't catch a break. They have gotten on the board though. Moreover, the West Indies got the perfect start, but they'll go back disappointed as well. On that rather forlorn note, it's your beloved comm. team consisting of Sagar, Praveen, Akshay, Vineet, Ramki, Hari and me, Rishi, signing off for the day. What a dull dud *eyeroll*
Jason Holder, West Indies captain: A great start by the bowlers. Particularly by Sheldon - very important to have a good start with the ball in these kind of conditions. We have been getting new-ball wickets, and we don't mind giving runs in the first ten overs, if we get wickets up front. We are hoping Russell pulls up alright in the next few days and be ready for the England game. We were in a good position today, but we can't control the weather. I guess we were hoping we would get a full day today, but nothing we can do about this so we have to move on and play well in the future matches.
Faf du Plessis, South Africa captain: Rain-affected matches are the worst. Both teams wanted a result, but you can't control the weather. You want to start on a day like today without losing wickets - but they have a lot of strike bowlers up front, and they managed to get two wickets. It mostly suits a team batting second in a rain-affected match. But even then, in a 30-35 over game, you can defend, but we didn't get anything today. Lungi will be ready for the next match which is important for us - we are looking for a bowling attack that is as strong as possible. We have Afghanistan next, so we need to put in a solid performance and get some momentum there.
16:14 Local Time, 15:14 GMT, 20:44 IST: Match abandoned. Acabado. 29/2 in 7.3 overs is all we have managed, thanks to the persistent rains in Southampton. The clouds, unfortunately, seem to have a chronic water expulsion syndrome that they simply can't recover from today. The South Africans, though, are finally off the mark on the points table. Captains' interviews coming up soon.
Srikar: There should be reserve days for all matches, every match is important in tournaments like WC, teams prepare so tough for years, and still don't get a game properly. It's not fair.
Pendulum Hilela: It would be sensational if SA gets 1 point today and win all 5 on the trot and win the Championship, somewhat like Pak in 92. Far-fetched, but possible as they say in Cricket.
16:08 Local Time, 15:08 GMT, 20:38 IST: The hide-and-seek game continues because for one more time today, rain has stopped. Super soppers are coming back on the ground
15:43 Local Time, 14:43 GMT, 20:13 IST: "The hover cover is coming off but those pushing it are on standby as it's gotten dark again. It's not raining but we might have a light situation," informs Kaushik. Scratch this. Rain has returned and it's getting heavier as well. Covers are coming back on. all the covers are back on - square and the runups covered. It's pelting down now.
So the umpires have gone about their inspection WITHOUT umbrellas. So that, if you've still cared to stay back and read us, is some sort of a plus point. Yea, but until then, do indulge in reading all that we've got about Yuvraj and his not-so-sudden retirement.
15:23 Local Time, 14:23 GMT, 19:53 IST: The super sopper is going over some wet patches by the bowlers run up. Next inspection at 15:45 local, 20:15 IST.
15:16 Local Time, 14:16 GMT, 19:46 IST: Groundstaff are starting with the periphery of the covers. not pausing much anywhere. from here it the outfield looks good and even the umpires don't seem too concerned. They're out there for the inspection. The bowler run-ups also look fine. Umpires have gone back and the first cover is being peeled off.
14:48 Local Time, 13:48 GMT, 19:18 IST: Official inspection at 15:15 local, 19:45 IST. Meanwhile, a slight drizzle has resurfaced again. Not sure about the inspection as covers come back on.
14:41 Local Time, 13:41 GMT, 19:11 IST: They're beginning to
roll the covers up now. The outfield looks fine. The sun is beaming now. Two big covers are off.
They have water-brooms. Eish, technology eh?
14:26 Local Time, 13:26 GMT, 18:56 IST: Kaushik informs us that the drying process has begun and the action is quite brisk at the moment. However, with all the rain that we've had already, the task at hand is a huge one.
14:16 Local Time, 13:16 GMT, 18:46 IST: More positive news. It's getting brighter and a few white clouds moving above the ground.
14:10 Local Time, 13:10 GMT, 18:40 IST: Some good news from Kaushik, although we're not sure for how long. The rain has stopped. The groundsmen are back on the park trying to drain the covers.
Akash: Do you think it would have been any different with ABD in the side ?? He was there in 2007, 2011, 2015 but still no trophy for SA ... it's like Messi and Argentina condition
14:00 Local Time, 13:00 GMT, 18:30 IST: The intensity of the rain has come down, but it still good enough to keep the umbrellas up. The groundsmen meanwhile are removing the water collected on the covers. Some of the fans keep themselves entertained with dance moves.
Avi: West Indies will take a T20 match over an ODI any day as they have most of the players who are T20 specialists. Problems seem to increase for South Africa from every aspect.
13:35 Local Time, 12:35 GMT, 18:05 IST: Rain had stopped for a while, but it's back now. The frustrating wait continues. It's a "steady drizzle," informs Kau.
13:00 Local Time, 12:00 GMT, 17:30 IST: More live pictures and the drizzle continues. The little positive, if there is any, is that the intensity of the rain has reduced. However, that won't matter if this persists. Quite cold out there and people are found using their umbrellas to protect themselves. Mark Nicholas on air says that the cut-off time for a T20 game is 17:00 local which is 21:30 IST. So, there is still quite a bit of time left and for now, it's about staying patient. As I type, players are taking lunch.
12:31 Local Time, 11:31 GMT, 17:01 IST: Okay, on a scale of positivity, this is perhaps the peak - it has gotten brighter. But no, the rains haven't stopped completely.
12:00 Local Time, 11:00 GMT, 16:30 IST: Live pictures coming in don't paint a pretty picture at all. Rain is quite heavy and steady, the covers are on and it looks dark as well in the outset. Fingers crossed as the wait continues.