Sydney, Jan 7: Play resumed as the sun shone brightly after a four-hour rain interruption on the opening day of the third Test between India and Australia here on Thursday. Groundsmen at the Sydney Cricket Ground worked relentlessly, including using a blower to go with the super-sopper, to get the surface ready for resumption at 3pm local time. A total of 57 overs are to be bowled in the remainder of the day. Scheduled close of play has been extended to 6.30pm with extra 30 minutes permitted to ensure minimum overs.
Earlier, young India pacer Mohammed Siraj dismissed the returning David Warner to leave Australia at 21 for one before the inclement weather stopped play barely seven overs into the first day’s action. The home team batted only 7.1 overs when play was interrupted at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Siraj sent back Warner (5) when he had the seasoned opener caught behind by Cheteshwar Pujara at first slip in the fourth over, giving India their first breakthrough before the heavens opened up. At the break, debutant Will Pucovski and Marnus Labuschagne were batting on 14 and 2, respectively. The players ran off the field as a shower arrived from nowhere, forcing the groundsmen to cover the pitch as well as the square. Making a return after a long injury layoff, Warner showed intensity in the first few overs but got carried away with it as he chased a wide Siraj delivery. (PTI)
