6.30pm Well well well. As expected, play has been called off for today. Alagappan has heard the stadium announcer say there will be a 50-over-a-side game tomorrow so that the Indians can get both bowling and batting practice. Starts at 2.40pm.
That brings to an end this commentary session. See you tomorrow.
6.25pm For the moment it's not raining, but don't let that overly enthuse you. Reports Alagappan:
The umpires went over to talk to the head groundsman just now and after that little chat the entire ground staff have just stepped off the outfield and vanished out of view. There are some fairly dark clouds coming over to Manuka Oval. It looks like they're expecting another shower to sweep the ground
6pm Al Muthu from Manuka: "The inspection/chat with teams looked to have lasted 10 minutes. It's done. The Indian support staff are still huddled together, but the covers are coming back on. However, it isn't raining at the moment. Not sure what to make of it."
Soham says: "Rohit has to open and Gill should be at 3. It may be harsh on KL to go back down to 6, but he has been given plenty of opportunities in the past and has not been consistent as an opener for many years now. Rohit was probably the world's best Test opener since 2019 until the recent 5 home Tests, you can't change his position after just a series. And Gill has been great this year at 3, finally he has gained consistency in Tests, his position shouldn't be changed either."
Sanj: "Definitely agree with Pujara on KL staying in the top three. Don't agree with him on keeping the same bowling though. It's a long tour and Akaash Deep has a lot to offer. "
Discussion between match officials and both teams happening.
5.40pm "Covers being dragged off as it has stopped raining finally," yelps Al Muthu. The Indian support staff group have made their way out onto the field. Hopes of having some play brightens
5.30pm What should India's batting order be? Cheteshwar Pujara believes KL Rahul should bat no lower than No. 3, even when Rohit & Gill return. Agree with him?
Hari: Is this tour match broadcasted on tv?" -- On the Star Sports network in India.
The news from the inspection is that the next inspection is at 6pm
5.10pm Alagappan from Manuka Oval: "Inspection happening in the middle of a liiiiiiight drizzle with Katy Perry's Roar in the background, which is kinda cute to play at a virtually empty ground."
Samarth says: "As much as I want Shami to play in ongoing BGT, the lack of rhythm is evident from his SMAT performances. He may not make the eleven but I'd still want him in the squad."
Ticking towards 5pm in Canberra and it continues to rain. Don't think they'll hold back a confirmation any longer.
And if you're wondering what Mohammed Shami is upto.
Dave: "I've been at ground about 15 minutes and the rain just got much heavier."
4pm It is still drizzling at Manuka Oval. Here is an update from Alagappan.
Umpires are out there now with umbrellas. The drizzle hasn't stopped since it picked up around 10 or so in the morning. The two umpires are walking around the edges of the covers which are protecting the square. And now they've headed over with a chat with the head groundsman. As they have a chat, a super sopper has come out to do a bit of work.
3.15pm We will have another update at 4pm. It continues to drizzle.
2.50pm Still a steady drizzle out there at the Manuka Oval. Not many there are expecting much play today.
2.40pm The official start time has come and gone but it looks quite bleak out there at Manuka Oval.
Shreyas: "What is a 2-day match supposed to be?!" -- Helps achieve little at the best of times, but given the Adelaide Test is a D/N game, acclimatising with the pink ball here would be invaluable.
PP: "can you please explain the format of the game?" -- Both teams bat for a day each, that's a maximum of 90 overs unless they get bowled out sooner.
Toss scheduled for 2.10pm, first ball at 2.40pm. Neither looking likely.
1.45pm "Still raining now," says our man Alagappan Muthu as he makes his way into the Manuka Oval. Yesterday there was a little more activity at the venue, with the Indians training despite the rain. Among those who had a longish hit was Shubman Gill. Here's Alagappan on what he saw of Gill & India's training on Friday.
1.40pm local (8:10am IST) Hello and welcome to ESPNcricinfo's coverage of India's tour fixture against the Australian Prime Minister's XI from Canberra. Sorry to bring you some bleak news first up: it's been raining all morning and the forecast for the next two days isn't all that encouraging from a cricket standpoint. The pitch is under covers, it's dark, grey and wet.
