As it happened - South Africa vs India, 1st Test, 2nd day

Play has been called off. A frustrating day at Centurion, particularly so, I'd say, for India, who got themselves into such a good position yesterday. Given the way the pitch has played so far, and given the forecast - more thundershowers are expected on day five - this washout considerably reduces the chances of a decisive result from this Test match.

But we're not ruling anything out. Plenty of possibilities still, so we'll come back tomorrow morning, hope that the weather's cleared up, and look forward to plenty more quality cricket.

Be sure to join us bright and early, with all your prayers and rain-repelling talismans. Goodbye until then.

For now.

How South Africa would love to have this man steaming in now.

And if you're wondering, it's still raining.

Those are the words of Firdose Moonda, describing the weather right now at Centurion.

"There's even puddles around the covers now."

We continue to wait. And hope.

Two bits of reading material to pass the time.

and

Heavy rain too. Sigh.

That's in just around half an hour's time.

As we wait for play, let's rewind to a landmark moment in the life of India's current head coach.

... for now.

It's raining again, and the covers are coming back. "We are doomed" is Firdose's assessment of the situation.

That's in just over 40 minutes, by my calculations. An early lunch will be taken at 11.30 as well. Meanwhile, Firdose says darker clouds have appeared overhead just as the covers come off.

Duanne Olivier was forced out of the Centurion Test against India because of the lingering effects of Covid-19, which he tested positive for a few weeks ago, and a hamstring niggle.

"Duanne Olivier is healthy and well, but did return a positive Covid-19 test result a number of weeks ago, which forced him to quarantine and took time away from his training ahead of the current Betway Test series against India," Victor Mpitsang, the convenor of selectors, told ESPNcricinfo on Monday, the second day of the Test. Mpitsang had refused to give out details on Sunday when contacted by us.

"This [Covid-19] did take place while he was away with the intention to spend time with his family and his workloads were not where the selection panel would have wanted them to be by the time he entered the team bubble ahead of the first Test match," Mpitsang added. "He picked up a hamstring niggle during the two-day, inter-squad match at the start of the camp and the selectors did not want to risk him unnecessarily when there are two more Test matches to think about."

Olivier, the 29-year-old quick who was tipped to get into the South Africa XI in the absence of Anrich Nortje, is the leading wicket-taker in South Africa's domestic first-class competition this season, with 28 wickets at an average of under 12.

In his absence, Marco Jansen, the 21-year-old left-arm seamer, made his debut. "Statistically, Marco Jansen was the standout performer with the ball against India A in their recent tour to South Africa and the selectors backed him to take on the senior India team and do well," Mpitsang said. "Every player who has been selected for this Proteas team is believed and backed to be capable of representing the national team and give a performance of the highest level. The absence of one player does not take away from the quality that another brings to the setup."

It has also been learnt that Nortje, who was ruled out of the series with a hip injury, has undergone a bone scan.

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