Cricket-Start delayed due to wet outfield, India suffer injury blows

The start of play was delayed on the opening day of the second test between India and New Zealand on Friday due to a wet outfield at the Wankhede Stadium.

The start of play was delayed on the opening day of the second test between India and New Zealand on Friday due to a wet outfield at the Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai received unseasonal rain during the last two days, forcing the players to skip outdoor practice ahead of the match.

While the sun was out there were still wet patches on the outfield, forcing the toss to be delayed. The Indian cricket board (BCCI) said the umpires would inspect conditions at 10:30 local time (0500 GMT).

India were dealt three injury blows ahead of the start of play, the BCCI said in a statement. Ajinkya Rahane, who led the side in Kanpur in the absence of regular captain Virat Kohli, was ruled out of the Mumbai match, along with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and fast bowler Ishant Sharma.

"Ajinkya Rahane sustained a minor left hamstring strain while fielding on the final day of the first test match in Kanpur," the BCCI said in a statement. Ishant had dislocated his left little finger while Jadeja suffered a right forearm injury during the Kanpur test, the BCCI added.

Kohli will return to the side to lead the hosts. The opening test ended in a thrilling draw, with New Zealand's last batting pair hanging on in the final session to deny the hosts a victory.

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