Rain continues to interrupt play at the Optus Stadium in Perth, delaying the 1st ODI between India and Australia. The showers, which began around 12:40 PM local time (10:10 AM IST), have caused multiple stoppages, and the latest update from the ground suggests that conditions are still not suitable for resumption.
At 13:05 local time (10:35 AM IST), the supersopper was seen doing rounds, with only the pitch remaining under covers. According to the official broadcast and commentators, one over has already been lost, and a few more overs could be reduced depending on how long the delay lasts.
Earlier at 12:57 PM local (10:27 AM IST), there was brief optimism as the rain relented slightly and the ground staff started removing the larger sheets covering the square. However, both on-field umpires were seen carrying umbrellas during their inspection, indicating that light rain was still persisting.
As per Mark Waugh on commentary, “It’s getting a little heavier now,” while Ravi Shastri earlier noted the drizzle was “not even hard.” Despite that, the umpires have chosen to err on the side of caution and instructed the groundsmen to keep the pitch covered.
Currently, India stand at 32/3 in 10.5 overs, after a shaky start against Australia’s pace attack. Once the rain stops completely and conditions improve, the umpires will conduct another inspection before deciding on the restart time.
For now, the match remains on hold, and updates on a revised start time are awaited from the match officials.
