Third day's play washed off

Chittagong, May 20 (UNI) Heavy rain washed off the third day of the first Test between India and Bangladesh at Chittagong Divisional Stadium as several puddles on the outfield ruled out all chances of an early start.

The first Test has not got underway in a proper way with 83 overs being lost in the first two days. Umpires Darrel Harper and Billy Doctrove had decided to start the game 30 minutes early today to make up for some of the lost time.

Overnight rain and continuous downpour in the morning forced another delay in the proceedings. The umpires had an inspection around 11.30 local time and called off the paly after another inspection at 1400 hours.

But chances look remote of the game starting early tomorrow as the outfield has become spongy with puddles of water under every underfoot.

While only 77 overs were played on the first day, 20 overs could be bowled yesterday after deciding on 23 overs as the game began at 1630 hours local time.

India are well placed in the Test match at 384 for six with two centuries from former captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly but with weather playing spoilsport, chances of forcing a win look to difficult with two more days left.

UNI