Dark clouds over second Test

Though,the Hyderabad Cricket Association officials were not too perturbed. HCA secretary D S Chalapathy said that they were waiting for the dark clouds to clear to start mopping up operation. The rains have left the outfield wet. Once the rain stops I am sure we will be able to prepare the ground and pitch in no time. We have two super soppers which can do the job within a few hours and keep the ground ready when the teams arrive. Groundsmen are continuously clearing the water but incessant rain is causing problems. We are all hoping that the rain stops, Chalapathy said.

Chief curator Y L Chandrasekhar said that the rains will not affect the pitch. We kept the wicket covered for the last 3 or 4 days as we expected rains. But the outfield has become very wet and soggy due to overnight rains. We have excellent drainage facility around the ground so clearing the water is not a problem, Chandrasekhar said.

The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium will be hosting its first Test.