Wed Oct 16 08:16:07 UTC 2024: ## Rain Delays Start of India-New Zealand First Test in Bengaluru
**Bengaluru, October 16:** The first Test match between India and New Zealand, scheduled to begin today at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, has been delayed due to persistent rain.
The toss, originally scheduled for 9:00 AM IST, could not be conducted, and the first session of play has been washed out. The second session is also affected by the downpour.
While there was a brief respite around 1:00 PM, the rain resumed shortly after. The weather forecast predicts a possibility of improvement after 1:00 PM, but the current conditions have made it highly unlikely that play will start before lunch.
The Indian team is facing an uncertain situation with Shubman Gill’s neck stiffness casting a shadow on the batting order. If Gill is unable to play, Sarfaraz Khan could replace him, with KL Rahul moving to the number 3 position.
Meanwhile, New Zealand is likely to field Will Young in place of the injured Kane Williamson. The team’s bowling attack might see Mitchell Santner replaced by Matt Henry, depending on their decision to field three fast bowlers.
This series holds special significance as New Zealand’s last Test win in India was in 1988. Fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the match, hoping the rain relents soon and allows for a competitive contest.
First Piper 