Wet start to Lanka-Pak Test

MARCH 5: A wet outfield and some damp parts of the wicket delayed the start of the first day's play in the second cricket Test between Pak...

MARCH 5: A wet outfield and some damp parts of the wicket delayed the start of the first day’s play in the second cricket Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Umpires John Hampshire of England and Mohammad Nazir of Pakistan inspected the pitch and decided to have another inspection an hour before Lunch. “Friday’s heavy rain and overcast conditions on Saturday left the outfield and pitch wet but bright sunshine and dry forecast provide chances of play to start an hour after lunch,” Nazir said.

Sri Lanka are 1-0 up in the three-match series after a narrow two-wicket win in the first Test in Rawalpindi.

Story continues below this ad

The tourists brought batsman Tillekeratne Dilshan in place of injured Arjuna Ranatunga who returned home on Saturday.

Pakistan finally announced the squad, making four changes from their line-up in the first Test.

Speed merchant Wasim Akram, who has a groin injury, and wicketkeeper Moin Khan were ruled out, as were Wajahatullah Wasti and Saqlain Mushtaq.

Atiq-uz Zaman, Moin’s replacement, will make his debut. All-rounder Shahid Afridi, pacer Shoaib Akhtar and off-spinner Arshad Khan were included.