Umpires conduct four inspections on first day

By Our Correspondent
August 22, 2024
Umpires Richard Kettleborough of England (R) and Adrian Holdstock of South Africa (2L) inspect the pitch at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on August 21, 2024.— AFP/file
Umpires Richard Kettleborough of England (R) and Adrian Holdstock of South Africa (2L) inspect the pitch at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on August 21, 2024.— AFP/file 

RAWALPINDI: After four inspections of the field, the umpires were able to get start the two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh here at the Pindi Stadium Wednesday.

The overnight and early morning rain left damp patches in and around the mid-off position (where batsman bats from the pavilion end), forcing umpires to conduct inspections at 10am, 11am, 12noon, and 1pm before declaring that the toss will be conducted at 2pm to start the Test series at 2.30pm.

Though you never know when it comes to predicting about weather in monsoon in the northern part of the country, the weather is expected to stay dry for the rest of the first Test duration. Play on the opening day of the first Test was extended to 6pm with tea taken at 4.20 pm.