Rain restricts play in
Duleep Trophy match

Heavy overnight rains washed out almost the entire third day's play in the Duleep trophy match between West Zone and East Zone at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday.

Just six overs were possible late in the day, after the pitch, which was left uncovered as per the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's Technical Committee, dried up sufficiently for action to resume.

Resuming at the overnight score of 526 for six, West Zone declared their first innings closed with the addition of just three more runs while playing just two overs.

Nayan Mongia remained unbeaten on 15 and Sairaj Bahutule was not out on 35.

With the rain-drenched track getting much livelier with the odd ball jumping up, East Zone batsmen faced a torrid time in the four overs that were bowled to them.

East Zone reached three for no loss when play was called off due to poor light. Opener Debang Gandhi (1) and Rashmi Ranjan Parida (0) were at the crease at stumps.

The other opener Parag Das had to retire hurt after scoring one run, after a nasty delivery from Ajit Agarkar hit him on the elbow.

With just a day's play left, the match seems to be heading towards a tame draw which will help West Zone win the coveted title.

Earlier, when the East Zone fielders walked onto the ground, they noticed that a snake had taken up position near the leg slip region. East Zone wicketkeeper Zulfikar Zufri was the first to spot the ten-inch reptile and immediately drew the attention of the two umpires, Devendra Sharma and B S P Rao, and his teammates.

The groundsmen, armed with sticks and sacks, removed the trespasser and play resumed.

The snake scare was perhaps the only notable incident on the rain-affacted day.

Earlier reports

Day 1: Kanitkar slams unbeaten ton
Day 2: West post huge total against East

Mail Cricket Editor