Not rain! Here's why the 2nd T20I between India & Australia hasn't started yet

The 2nd T20I between India and Australia hasn't started due to a wet outfield. The officials have conducted 2 inspections so far and the 3rd inspection will take place at 8:45 PM IST. The cut-off time for a 5-over game is 9:46 PM IST.

TN Sports Desk

Updated Sep 23, 2022, 20:39 IST

India vs Australia 2nd T20 has not started yet. Photo: BCCI

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

India are hosting Australia in the 2nd T20I in Nagpur
The match hasn't started due to a wet outfield
The cut-off time for a 5-over game is 9:46 PM IST

The 2nd T20I between India and Australia hasn't started yet and to the fans' surprise, there has been no rain in Nagpur. The weather has been clear in the city right since the morning and there's another reason behind the delay.

The officials have confirmed that there's a patch which is the area of concern and it is quite soft from the inside. Keeping the players' safety in mind, the umpires haven't given a go-ahead to the game yet and the play can only start once that part dries completely.

"It is still soggy. It is not safe for the players and we are still waiting for it to dry. The groundstaff are trying their job. Let's see if we can get something tonight. We are concerned about this game. We are not looking ahead. Both teams will come strong and the runup is a point of concern. The safety of the players is a priority," the umpires told Star Sports after the 2nd inspection.

The groundstaff is working hard to make the ground fit to play but with no sun, the officials have their task cut out. The cut-off time for a 5-over game is 9:46 PM IST. If the first ball isn't bowled by then, the game will be abandoned.

The officials have conducted 2 inspections so far. The first inspection took place at 7:00 PM IST while the umpires had a second look at the field at 8:00 PM IST. The 3rd inspection will take place at 8:45 PM IST. Since the cut-off time is 9:46 PM IST, there might be more inspections after 8:45 PM IST if the field isn't fit to play by then.

Courtesy of their brilliant batting performance in the first T20I, Australia are leading the three-match series 1-0. The Nagpur T20I is a must-win for India. The 3rd and final T20I will be played in Hyderabad on September 25.

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