The highly anticipated T20I series between Australia and India has been heavily impacted by rain, with the first match in Canberra washed out and the second in Melbourne now under threat from similar weather conditions.
The series opener at the Manuka Oval on Wednesday was abandoned after persistent rain halted play twice, leaving both teams frustrated. India had reached 97 for one in 9.4 overs when the match was finally called off. Earlier, the game had already been reduced to 18 overs per side after the first rain interruption at the five-over mark, when India was 43 for one.
Attention now shifts to the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, but forecasts from the Australian Government’s Bureau of Meteorology have cast doubt on whether a full game will be possible.
The bureau has predicted a chance of rain between 8 PM and 10 PM local time, directly overlapping with match hours. The contest is scheduled to begin at 7:15 PM local time (1:45 PM IST), raising concerns about potential disruptions during the crucial middle phase of play.
Despite the weather threat, enthusiasm among fans remains undiminished. Cricket Australia confirmed that public tickets for the match are officially sold out, promising a capacity crowd at the iconic MCG, which can accommodate up to 90,000 spectators.
Organisers and fans alike are hoping the rain stays away long enough to allow a full contest between two of the most popular teams in world cricket.
Both Australia and India will be eager to get some match time ahead of a busy international calendar, particularly with next year’s T20 World Cup approaching. However, with Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, another washout would deal a significant blow to both sides’ preparations and the excitement surrounding this marquee series.
