Constant rain has delayed the start to the Test series between host nation India and New Zealand. -AP
Persistent rain has not allowed any play on day one of the first Test between India and New Zealand in at Bengaluru.
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Heavy rain over the past 48 hours had delayed the toss and officials made the decision to take lunch on Wednesday without a ball being bowled. The entire day's play was then called in the afternoon after the covers were briefly taken off the pitch.
More rain is expected over the next few days, but the M Chinnaswamy Stadium has world-class drainage facilities and play could start within 45 minutes.
India captain Rohit Sharma investigates the pitch during a wet opening day in Bengaluru. (AP PHOTO)
Hosts India are currently atop the World Test Championship standings, and a 3-0 win in this series against New Zealand would all but assure them spot for the final at Lord's next June.
After beating Bangladesh 2-0 in the preceding Test series, a full-strength Indian squad was once again available for selection.
The Black Caps have already been on a long sub-continental tour. They began with the one-off washed out Test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida, India, followed by a 2-0 loss in Sri Lanka.
The second and third Tests will be played in Pune and Mumbai, respectively.
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