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India v South Africa, 3rd ODI, Chennai

Another washout in Chennai

Cricinfo staff

November 22, 2005

Groundsmen worked overtime, but in vain as the third ODI between India and South Africa was abandoned © Getty Images

The Chennai weather had the final say as the third one-day international between India and South Africa was abandoned without a ball being bowled. There seemed to be some hope of a truncated game when the rains - which had been lashing the city for more than a day - eased up late in the morning, allowing the umpires to call for an inspection at 4.30pm local time (1100 GMT). However, the outfield had taken a heavy pounding through the last 24 hours, and the lack of sunshine meant there was little chance of the huge puddles in the outfield drying up. The umpires finally decided to call off the match at 3.15pm.

This is the third time in successive years that an international game at Chennai has been ruined by the weather. In October 2003, less than 27 overs of play was possible in an ODI between India and New Zealand; a year later, the Test between India and Australia was tantalisingly poised, with the home team needing 210 more for victory with all ten wickets in hands, but rain ensured that not a ball was bowled on the final day.

The washout here means that India and South are tied at 1-1 with only two more matches left in the series. The fourth game will be played at Kolkata, on November 25.

© Cricinfo