Chatsworth match finally put out of its misery

India's ill-fated three-day game against a President's XI in Chatsworth was finally put out of its misery early on Wednesday morning after yet another inspection revealed the ground was still as soggy, if not soggier, than it had been on Monday.

Not a ball was bowled during the match, India's last chance to acclimatise ahead of Saturday's first Test match against South Africa in Bloemfontein. At the same time, not a drop of rain fell during the scheduled play hours as the Chatsworth drainage proved woefully inadequate.

The official abandonment came almost as an afterthought. There was heavy rain over Durban during Tuesday night and not a soul in either the Indian or the home camp believed that play would start at any stage on Wednesday.

By 8am on Wednesday morning several of the President's XI had already checked out of their hotel on their way home, but the Indians will try to have a practice session at Kingsmead before heading on to Bloemfontein where, they hope, practice facilities will be available.

"Our preparation has been peculiar to say the least," Indian coach John Wright said. "It's not good, but there's not a lot we can do about it and we're just going to have to make the most of the time we have left."