Second consecutive day of Gopalan trophy abandoned

Throughout the day the sun shone fiercely over the leafy Cinnamon Gardens ground that is: the Sinhalese Sports Club. The ground was a picture of beauty and it was a perfect day in which to don your whites for a pleasant day of cricket.

Alas it wasn't to be. For not entirely understandable reasons there was no play for the second day in succession. There were four inspections and much idle talk but not a ball was bowled. The ground was soft, that is true. If this were a full international match then the decision to not play would be acceptable.

However this is not an international. It is a game between between two historical neighbours. The tour represents the resuscitation of a previously forgotten tournament and a perfect opportunity for players of talent to practise hard before their domestic seasons. The winners will receive about $50USD each in prize money but the runners up can expect $20USD.

It is thus disappointing that the captains of both sides decided against playing. It was perhaps more disheartening that the umpires did not have the stomach to force the players on to the pitch. The pitch itself was in pristine condition and the run-ups were firm. A soft patch here and there wouldn't have made the slightest difference.

As it is the game is almost certainly now dead. The rains will come tonight. They invariably do after such a hot day. Further rain will undoubtedly delay the game.