Soaking rain washes away chance of start

The rain god, Pluvius, has emerged as the winner on day one of the much-anticipated Pura Cup clash between Victoria and New South Wales in Melbourne. Not so much as a single delivery was bowled at the Punt Road ground today, as the same soaking drizzle that has engulfed the Victorian capital for a number of days now continued unabated. In a testament to the bleak nature of the conditions, it took little over an hour for the decision to abandon the day's play to be made.

Given that the Victorian capital has already been the subject of persistent rain for much of the week, thoughts of any quick break in the dismal weather pattern might well be over-optimistic. Nevertheless, it seems that the umpires and the players have not completely abandoned hope of managing to make up much of the six hours lost today during the three days that follow.

About the only other news to report from Punt Road to this stage of a fixture which brings together the two most ferocious rivals in Australian domestic cricket is that it appears that New South Wales opener Michael Slater may be fit to play in the match after all. The Test opener sent a scare through the Blues' camp yesterday when he took a nasty blow on his right index finger in fielding a ball at a practice session. But, following X-rays and general treatment overnight, it is understood that the belligerent right hander was not feeling quite as discomforted this morning. The long delay to the start time will also markedly assist his chances of being fully fit to play by the time - whenever that might be - that the hostilities eventually begin.