WTC Final: First day's play washed out, reserve day to come in force
Southampton: The eagerly-awaited opening day of the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand was rained out here on Friday, which is set to bring the reserve day into the equation.
As per ICC playing conditions guidelines for the WTC final, if required the reserve sixth day can now come into effect with six hours of play lost on Day 1 itself.
There was forecast of rain and thundershowers and the heavens opened up last evening with relentless downpour continuing till afternoon.
With puddles forming throughout the outfield, even the best drainage system couldn't have possibly forced some action on the opening day.
Umpires Michael Gough and Richard Illingworth, after multiple inspections, called off the game at 7:30 pm IST (3 pm local time).
While there has been talk about Southampton being the preferred venue, it has been learnt that BCCI was taken into confidence by both the ICC and England and Wales Cricket Board before they finalised the venue which also has a five-star facility within the premises, helping create a tight bio-secure bubble.
The English weather is known to be fickle and in any case, there was no guarantee that the match being played at any other venue would have not led to a wash-out on the first day.
In the last five years, England has hosted 32 men's Test matches and only as many as four have ended in draws which is an indication that even if rain plays spoilsport, the final will go the distance.
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One held for illegal transportation of beef in goods vehicle in Karnataka's Mandya
Mandya (PTI): A driver was arrested for allegedly transporting beef and other cattle parts illegally in a goods vehicle in this district, police said on Monday.
The vehicle was intercepted and seized during a late-night operation near Paschimavahini in Srirangapatna taluk on Sunday, they said.
According to police, the vehicle, which was reportedly travelling from Hunsur to Ramanagara, was first stopped by members of a local Hindu organisation, who then alerted the police. The Srirangapatna Town Police reached the spot and took the vehicle into custody.
During inspection, police found beef and legs of cattle inside the goods carrier. The driver was detained on the spot, a senior police officer said.
Samples of the seized meat have been sent for forensic examination, he added.
A case under the relevant sections of the Karnataka Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Cattle Preservation Act has been registered at the Srirangapatna Town Police Station, and an investigation is underway to trace the source and destination of the consignment, they said.
