The second ODI between India and Australia is under threat after continued rainfall in Vizag could play spoilsport in the proceedings of the three-game series. The Men in Blue won the first game on the back of a gritty batting display by KL Rahul, carrying the team through a difficult chase at Mumbai Wankhede Stadium.
From India's western coast, both teams travelled to the east, where they have been greeted by heavy rainfall which persisted even yesterday (March 18). Andhra Cricket Association secretary SR Gopinath Reddy, addressing ongoing downpours. He stated that the stadium is equipped with a good arrangement of super soppers and an underground drainage system on Saturday.
Reddy, quoted by Lokmat Times, said, "There is a good arrangement of super soppers and underground drainage system in the stadium. We are also covering the whole outfield, not only the pitch. The drainage system in this ground is good. If it rains only for a few hours, then the game can be started after drying the ground. But if it rains for a long time, it will affect the match. After the rain stops, we can prepare the ground within an hour."
But despite these comments, the weather forecast for the day is bleak. Rain with cloud cover is expected to remain throughout the day. However, the real concern is another anticipated shower at 5 PM IST, which could potentially end any chance of even a shortened game.
Vizag Weather Report of March 19, Sunday (AccuWeather):
11:00 AM IST - 24 degrees Celsius - Mostly cloudy - 34% chance of rain
1:00 PM IST - 25 degrees Celsius - Mostly Cloudy - 43% chance of rain
3:00 PM IST - 25 degrees Celsius - Thunderstorms - 51% chance of rain
5:00 PM IST - 25 degrees Celsius - Thunderstorms - 54% chance of rain
7:00 PM IST - 25 degrees Celsius - Intermittent clouds - 34% chance of rain
9:00 PM IST - 25 degrees Celsius - Mostly Clear - 38% chance of rain
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