Third Test: Wet conditions keep player off, teams take lunch in Mohali - NDTV

Umpire Richard Kettleborough feels maybe a couple of hours play could be possible today, only if the rain stays away. Play is unlikely to start soon in the third Test in Mohali as light rain continues to play spoilsport on Thursday. The latest news from the ground is that lunch will be taken at 1130 IST and the next inspection will be done at 12 noon. Umpire Richard Kettleborough feels maybe a couple of hours play could be possible today, only if the rain stays away. Met department on Wednesday had forecast possibility of rain with cloudy skies in Chandigarh. The pitch and the square was covered once first pictures came of the PCA stadium on Thursday. Ahead of the first pitch inspection at the ground, Kettleborough said, "Overnight rain started at 3 am and it will take at least two hours for the groundstaff to dry the playing areas. However, bad news is that rain has been forecast for the afternoon as well." Meanwhile, news from the teams is that Australia named th eir eleven for the match, and have included leg-spinning all-rounder Steven Smith along with veteran wicket-keeper Brad Haddin, who replaced injured Matthew Wade. The absence of axed Shane Watson, Usman Khawaja, James Pattinson and Mitchell Johnson means Mitchell Starc is back into the side. Nathan Lyon is back in the fold as the lead spinner. Xavier Doherty retains his place. Michael Clarke is slated to bat at number 3, according to Cricket Australia, who confirmed the batting order early Thursday morning. India, although are not expected to make no changes apart from Shikhar Dhawan replacing Virender Sehwag at the opening slot. Story first published on: Thursday, 14 March 2013 09:29 via Top Stories - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNH5cqtn1qyxT81Tjvl9pFddeTMYuw&url=http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/item/204884-third-test-rain-delays-toss-at-pca-stadium-mohali

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