India vs Australia, 2nd T20I: Wet outfield delays toss several times

India and Australia have locked horns in the second T20I at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur. However, the toss, which was scheduled to take place at 7:00 PM IST, has been delayed several times due to wet outfield. After the latest inspection by umpires KN Anantha Padmanabhan and Nitin Menon, the toss will take place at 9:15 PM and the match is reduced to eight overs an innings. 

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The first time inspection was held at 6:30 PM IST, but the toss was delayed because the outfield is still wet from all the overnight rain. There were a couple of wet patches in the outfield that were of concern for the umpires. The umpires then delayed the toss to 7:00 PM. 

The field umpires again began their second inspection at 7:00 PM. They were still not satisfied, inspite of groundsmen toiling continuously, spraying sawdust on wet patches. The umpires decided to delay the toss again and set the next inspection to 8:00 PM.

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At 8:00 PM, the umpire came out in the field. This time they had a long discussion, but at the end, they again decided to delay the toss. The next inspection is scheduled to take place at 8:45 PM.

After the 8:00 PM inspection the umpires, while speaking to the broadcasters said,”It is still soggy. It is not safe for the players and we are still waiting for it to dry. The groundstaff are trying their job. Let’s see if we can get something tonight. We are concerned about this game. We are not looking ahead. Both teams will come strong and the runup is a point of concern. The safety of the players is a priority.” 

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It was after the 8:45 PM inspection, that the umpires were satisfied with the state of the outfield. They decided that toss will be held at 9:15 PM and the first innings will start from 9:30 PM. The match is reduced to eight overs per side. There will be just two overs of the powerplay and a bowler can bowl a maximum of two overs.