Indian captain Virat Kohli was left frustrated on Wednesday after the rain-ravaged second Test against South Africa robbed his team of a possible series win.
The match ended in a dreary draw in Bangalore as play was washed out for a fourth consecutive day after the hosts had gained the upper hand on the opening day.
The umpires called off the final day’s play at 11:30am (10am UAE) due to a wet outfield at the Chinnaswamy stadium after incessant rains over the past week.
There was action only on the first day on Saturday when South Africa were shot out for 214 after being sent in to bat and India replied with 80 for no loss.
“It’s a pity we lost four days when we were in such a strong position,” Kohli said at the brief presentation ceremony.
“The bowlers did a commendable job by bowling South Africa out in less than three sessions which is something very rare. A lot of people were surprised when we decided to field first.
“All credit to the bowlers. Bangalore is known for its runs but our bowlers showed a lot of character.”
[Fast and ferocious, Mitchell Johnson brought excitement to cricket the old-fashioned way]
Kohli hoped his team, which won the first Test in Mohali by 108 runs to gain the lead in the four-match series, will take the momentum into the third Test which starts in Nagpur on November 25.
“Nothing has changed in the series,” the Indian captain said. “We took the confidence from Mohali to Bangalore and we had a good day’s play.
“The team is in great mood and hopefully we won’t have any more interruptions and the players can execute their skills in Nagpur”
The rained-off draw meant top-ranked South Africa have played just seven days of international cricket on the tour over the last month.
Proteas skipper Hashim Amla, who was hoping to revive his team after the embarrassing defeat inside three days in Mohali, admitted his men had not batted well again.
“I am very surprised we lost four days of cricket here, I really didn’t think that would happen,” Amla said.
“Unfortunately, we did not bat well but I think the Test was still in the balance after the first day because a lot of time was left.”
Amla said AB de Villiers top-scoring with 85 on his 100th Test appearance was the highlight for his team in Bangalore.
“We are glad to share the moment with him,” he said. “We have had a long layoff and everyone is keen to get back on the park in Nagpur and play better cricket.”
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if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
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Match info:
Portugal 1
Ronaldo (4')
Morocco 0
