India's captain Rohit Sharma (4R) engaged in a conversation with officials following the first day's play of the first Test cricket match between India and New Zealand, which was abandoned due to rain at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday. — AFP
The inaugural day of the first Test between India and New Zealand was canceled without any play taking place due to relentless rain on Wednesday, with unfavorable weather conditions predicted for the entire week in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru. The umpires conducted an inspection of the pitch at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium just before tea and concluded that no play would be feasible. This marked another disheartening day for the visiting team, whose Asian tour commenced with a one-off Test against Afghanistan, which was also abandoned due to rain in Greater Noida last month. The ongoing series, which includes matches in Pune and Mumbai, is a part of the World Test Championship. India is aiming for a significant victory over the 2021 champions to bolster their chances of reaching a third consecutive final next year. New Zealand is missing their key batsman Kane Williamson for the opening match due to a groin injury sustained during the 2-0 series loss in Sri Lanka. Fast bowler Ben Sears has also been ruled out of the series due to a knee injury. The match signifies Tom Latham's first assignment as the new permanent captain of the Black Caps, succeeding Tim Southee this month. Rohit Sharma's India, coming off a 2-0 victory against Bangladesh, is aiming to secure their 19th consecutive series win on home soil since their 2-1 defeat by England in 2012.
