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Journalism of Courage
CHENNAI, Dec 19: The prospects of the Duleep Trophy being shared this year loomed large with both teams, Central Zone and West Zone, already reconciled to such a situation, with the third day8217;s play in the final of this premier competition being washed out by inclement weather.
The umpires GA Pratap Kumar AP and S Balachandran TN were forced to abandon play for the day after making a second inspection at 12.40 p.m. as sharp showers before the scheduled start at 9.30 a.m. and at 11 a.m. only worsened the underfoot conditions, especially the bowlers8217; run up and the area 30 yards from the wicket. The umpires said the wicket, which was covered, was not adversely affected.
Only two days of play remain in the five day match. And if the first innings, halted at West Zone8217;s score of 196 for four on the first day is not completed and if rain plays the spoil sport again, the trophy would have to be shared.
Meanwhile, a sense of de ja vu prevailed in the West Zone dressing room in the wake of wicket keeper, captain Nayan Mongia8217;s recall and the selection of leg spinner Sairaj Bahutule and all-rounder Hrishikesh Kanitkar to the Indian team for the one-day series against Sri Lanka.
While the recall came as birthday gift for Mongia, who was extended greetings by his teammates and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association personnel. The three players are leaving tomorrow to join the Indian team selected for the first two of the three one-day matches against the Lankans.And if the play resumes from tomorrow, West Zone could be in a spot of trouble without their services.
