Fifth ODI called off due to rain, wet outfield

The fifth ODI between India and Australia in Cuttack has been called off due to a wet outfield. The conditions were bright and sunny on Saturday morning and match referee Roshan Mahanama had an inspection at 11 am, but the outfield was deemed unfit for play.

Heavy rains over the week had cast doubts on the possibility of play in Cuttack. On Friday, the Odisha Cricket Association had released a statement which said that the ground was "completely water-logged and the chances of it drying up are extremely remote".

The association had employed helicopters to dry the ground, but it did not prove too effective. "The operators of the helicopters visited the ground and expressed that they could dry the pitch but were unable to remove the mud that has accumulated through the playing area," the statement said.

The fourth ODI in Ranchi was also abandoned after heavy rain. Australia lead the seven-match series 2-1.