While we await the next inspection, here are a few more updates on the advancements in the Indian T20 League’s Mega Auction Retention Rules for the 2025-27 cycle. A match fee of INR 7.5 lakhs per game has been introduced for the first time, which will be paid in addition to the contracted amount. In a more stringent change, all overseas players must register for the Mega Auction, and failure to do so will make them ineligible for the following year’s player auction. Furthermore, if a player who has registered and been picked in the auction withdraws before the start of the season, they will face a two-season ban from participating in both the tournament and the player auctions. Lastly, the Impact Player rule will continue in this cycle as well.

UPDATE - 4.42 am GMT - Oh no! This isn't the news we were hoping for. The match officials are not satisfied with the conditions just yet, and the soggy patches in the outfield need more work. They have decided to hold another inspection at 6.30 am GMT. With the skies remaining overcast and the sun not making an appearance, it certainly complicates things. We'll have to wait a bit longer to see when play can resume, but let’s keep our fingers crossed for improved conditions before the next inspection!

While we await an update regarding the inspection, Murali Kartik and Athar Ali Khan are out in the middle to provide insights on the conditions. They start by saying that there are a few soggy patches in the outfield and there is no sunlight, which could help dry them. They move towards the playing surface and say that the pitch being under covers for so long will have a lot of underlying moisture, which could favour the Indian bowlers. Athar Ali Khan mentions that the bowlers will want to pitch it up and tempt the batters to come on the front foot. being under covers for so long.

UPDATE - 4.30 am GMT - The moment of truth has arrived! The two on-field umpires, alongside the fourth umpire, are currently inspecting the outfield. They appear somewhat concerned about certain areas, as they poke their shoes into the turf to assess the condition of the outfield. The head groundsman has joined them as they examine the areas near the fence, which have been sprayed with sand to help with the drying process. Fingers crossed for a positive update!

On Saturday, the Indian T20 League announced its updated Mega Auction Retention Rules, introducing several significant changes and procedures. One of the key updates is that teams can now retain a maximum of six players through retention or the Right to Match (RTM) card, which can include up to five capped and two uncapped players. In an exciting twist, any capped Indian player who has not played international cricket or held a BCCI central contract in the last five years will be considered uncapped. Additionally, the auction purse for each team has been increased to 120 crores INR, further raising the stakes for the upcoming auction.

UPDATE - 3.57 am GMT - The main cover has been removed, and the strip is now uncovered. However, it remains overcast, and the sun has yet to make an appearance. A couple of Super Soppers are actively working on the outfield. We are just over 30 minutes away from the scheduled inspection, and let's hope that the outfield is in good shape for play to resume soon. The stumps have been erected, which is a positive sign, as the fourth umpire, Virender Sharma, keeps a close eye on the efforts of the ground staff.

In case you missed it, on Saturday, India announced their 15-man squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. One of the major talking points was the maiden call-up for speedster Mayank Yadav, who impressed with his raw pace during the 2024 Indian T20 League. Promising all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy also earned a spot, while mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy returns to the Indian setup for the first time since 2021. Chakaravarthy's recall comes on the back of his stellar performances for Kolkata in the Indian T20 League, where he finished as the leading wicket-taker for the champion side. Notably, none of the players from the current Test squad will feature in the T20I series, with Suryakumar Yadav leading a fresh-looking squad. The series kicks off with the first T20I in Gwalior on 6th October.

UPDATE - 3.31 am GMT - Good early signs! It is currently not raining, and the covers are being peeled off. While the square is still covered, the rest of the covers have been removed. The match officials are out there inspecting the outfield and assessing the conditions. It looks promising, but we still need to see how quickly the ground can be prepared for play. An inspection has been scheduled for 4.30 am GMT, so we are set for a delayed start. Fingers crossed for some action soon!

With significant overs lost across both days, it's likely play will begin 30 minutes earlier, weather permitting. Fortunately, today’s weather looks far more promising than on Day 2, raising hopes of seeing a full day’s action. Stay tuned for more updates as we anticipate a potentially pivotal day of cricket!

On the other hand, Bangladesh won’t deviate from their approach on Day 1, looking to take things steady and display their grit and resilience. Mominul Haque, who was well set before play was cut short, will need to restart his innings and anchor the effort, relying on strong support from the rest of the batting unit. However, the pitch, having been under covers for over a day, might behave unpredictably, though only time will reveal its true nature. Bangladesh will need to reset and brace themselves for India’s fierce bowling attack.

India will undoubtedly be more desperate to get back on the field, holding a slight advantage after just 35 overs of play so far. With the home leg offering a strong chance to grab crucial points, they’ll be keen to avoid a situation where points are shared due to the weather, which has already disrupted much of the match. It’s certain that once they get back on the field, they’ll push hard and look to accelerate the game, knowing there are only 9 sessions left to force a result. 

Hello and welcome back to Day 3 of this second Test match between India and Bangladesh, coming to you from Green Park in Kanpur. The weather hasn't been on our side for the first two days, but we're optimistic for a full day of play today. With time now a crucial factor for both teams, every session will be pivotal as they look to push for a result. 

... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...

That wraps up another rain-affected day, with the entire Day 2 lost to the weather. The forecast for Day 3, September 29th, is far more promising, and we remain hopeful for a full day of play, giving this Test enough time for all possible outcomes. Even though today's play has been called off, let's hope the conditions improve in time for a full day of action on Day 3. Given that we have lost an entire day's play, we are likely to see early starts for the remainder of the Test. You can join us well ahead of time as we build up to what could be an exciting day of Test cricket. Until then, goodbye and cheers!

Well, the inevitable news has arrived, STUMPS have been called for Day 2 without a single ball bowled. The weather forecast had hinted at heavier rain, and despite our optimism, persistent drizzle has dashed any hopes of play today. Both teams will now regroup and return on Day 3, hopefully to better conditions, with the aim of pushing for a result in the remaining days.

UPDATE - 8.16 am GMT - Not much has changed since the last update, with the drizzle continuing on and off throughout the day. Puddles have formed on the covers, which have been spread across the entire ground, and with the sun not making an appearance at all, the situation remains bleak. As optimistic as we want to be, the prospects of any play today seem slim at best. Let's hope for a positive change, but the weather isn't helping our cause at the moment.

While we await more news from Kanpur, let’s take a look at the next big ICC event, the Women's T20 World Cup, which is set to unfold from October 3, 2024, in the UAE. This exciting spectacle will feature 10 teams competing in two groups of five. Originally scheduled to be held in Bangladesh, it had to be relocated due to the political unrest in the country. As always, Australia will be a favourite, entering the tournament as the defending champions and having lifted the trophy six times in the past. The allure of women's cricket has been steadily rising, and anticipation is building for what promises to be another spectacular tournament.

In case you missed it, during a press conference before this Test, Shakib Al Hasan expressed his desire to retire from the Test format. While he mentioned that he is done with T20Is, with the World Cup being his final appearance, he hopes to play his last Test at home. Bangladesh is set to host South Africa for a two-match Test series in October, though the series is pending security clearance from Cricket South Africa due to political unrest in the country over the past couple of months. If the series gets the green light, one of Bangladesh's greatest players could bid farewell to Test cricket at the national capital, Dhaka.

With the start of this Test being gloomy and rain still in the forecast for Day 3, the outlook for the final two days is much more promising, with brighter skies and significantly improved conditions. This could give both teams just enough time to push for a decisive result. India, in particular, may press harder to force a result, making the contest even more intriguing. Bangladesh, with their capabilities, could certainly look to capitalize on any opportunity that comes their way, setting up an exciting remainder of the match!

UPDATE - 6.42 am GMT - Live visuals show the fourth umpire, Virender Sharma, having a discussion with who appears to be the chief of the ground staff. They are likely assessing the time needed to prepare the field for some play today, if and when the rain subsides. While the light has improved somewhat, the rain needs to stop completely before the ground staff can begin their work. The waiting game continues!

The day has changed, but New Zealand's fortunes do not seem to have improved. Having lost both openers before the close of play on Day 2, Day 3 has started in the worst possible fashion for the visitors, as they continue to struggle against a dominant Sri Lankan side. Starting the day at 22/2 in response to Sri Lanka's mammoth total of 602, the Kiwis have been bundled out for just 88. Prabath Jayasuriya and debutant Nishan Peiris joined forces to run through the Kiwis, with Jayasuriya claiming his 8th five-wicket haul in Galle. Trailing by 514 runs, the visitors have been asked to bat again, facing an uphill battle as they look to recover in their second innings.

UPDATE - 6.05 am GMT - Live visuals show the Super Soppers rolling over the covers with the covers well intact, but with dark clouds still looming overhead, the umpires are checking the light meters, signalling that light may also be a concern. We've lost an entire session on Day 2 as Lunch is officially called. To make matters worse, it has started drizzling again. Abhinav Mukund informs us that the next official update will be at 6.40 am GMT. Although the situation doesn't look very promising at the moment, we remain optimistic that the weather will clear and allow some play to resume.

UPDATE - 5.45 am GMT - We are as happy to inform you as you are to read this - It has stopped raining! However, given the amount of rain we've had, there’s still a long way to go, and the ground staff will first need to deal with the waterlogged covers. Finally, a ray of hope and now let's hope that the weather holds up for the rest of the day.

UPDATE - 5.27 am GMT - Oh, no! The rain has returned, confirming the ground staff's cautious decision to keep the covers on in anticipation of another shower. Unfortunately, this means that any hopes of play today are dwindling. Let’s stay hopeful for a break in the weather!

While we wait for better news from Kanpur, let's take a look at why this match carries extra significance, especially considering the current standings in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table and the race to secure a spot in the top two. India, sitting at the top of the table, will be eager to get back on the field and maximize this home advantage, with a particular focus on winning this match. A draw would mean sharing points, something India will want to avoid. With their formidable home record and dominance, they will fancy their chances of making the most of this opportunity, especially with the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand on home soil.