The South African and Indian cricket teams were both anxiously watching the skies over Kingsmead on the fifth morning of the second Castle Lager Test on Saturday.
The start of play was delayed by 55 minutes, and the players were taken off the field again half an hour later because of the heavily overcast conditions at the ground. India, chasing 354 to win the match and clinch the series, were 47 for four when play was interrupted.
Makhaya Ntini, who got rid of danger men Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid on Friday afternoon, continued his good work on Saturday. In his first over, Sachin Tendulkar -‒ one of the world’s greatest batsmen -‒ was given out LBW without scoring, and in his next over, Wasim Jaffer chased a short, wide delivery. The ball spooned into the air and Andre Nel ran round to take the catch, and Jaffer was back in the pavilion for 28 -‒ the same score he made in the first innings. Ntini’s figures at that stage were an admirable four for 15 off seven overs and two balls.
But the light was fading fast, and only 13 more balls were bowled before the umpires decided conditions were not fit for play, and offered the batsmen the light, which they gratefully accepted.
India have a one-nil lead in the series, and need only to draw this match to make sure they cannot lose the series. South Africa, on the other hand, have to win if they are to have a chance of winning the series.
Lunch was taken early, but there appears to be no chance of play
in the foreseeable future. – Sapa