The 1000th ODI match under lights was abandoned without a ball being bowled at the Rangiri Stadium here on Thursday. This was also the first match at Dambulla, normally among the driest regions of Sri Lanka at this time of the year, to be called off without a result.
Persistent showers prevented any play between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the fourth match of the Micromax ODI series. Since the toss took place - Ross Taylor won the spin of the coin and elected to bat - the game will enter the official records.
A fresh match, this includes the toss, between the two sides will be played here on Friday at the same time (2.30 pm). Keeping in mind the possibility of inclement weather, the tournament schedule provides for a reserve day after every match.
There was also a quick announcement from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) that Suraj Randiv, suspended for one match for violating the spirit of the game, will not be considered for Friday's game either. Technically, Randiv's suspension ended on Thursday but the absence of any play would have made SLC's punishment to the off-spinner a farce. Once again, the Sri Lankan Board acted swiftly to clear the air.
There was a brief phase when the rain stopped, the skies appeared to clear and the prospect of play getting underway appeared bright. The hard-working ground staff removed the covers - almost the entire ground was covered - and the arena did appear dry.
Soon - around 4.30 pm - it began to drizzle again and the big, bright sheets were back hugging the ground. As the relentless drizzle turned heavier, it became clear that there would be no play. A band dished out some foot-tapping music and a few spectators braved the rain in hope before the final announcement was made around 6.30 pm.
Both sides had made three changes each. Chamara Silva, Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Herath replaced Thilan Samaraweera, Dilhara Fernando and Randiv in the Sri Lankan line-up. Peter Ingram, Jacob Oram and Grant Elliott came in for the injured Martin Guptill, Andy McKay and Tim Southee in the New Zealand XI.
It will be interesting whether the teams retain the same elevens for the next game. But then, the selection could hinge on the weather. Given the dense clouds here on Thursday, rain could be a factor again. The demands of a side in a truncated game could be different.
The scenario represents a fresh challenge for Kiwi skipper Taylor. So far, he has led a depleted New Zealand side capably. He has the makings of a good leader. Taylor has been pro-active and aggressive. He has hustled the opposition with attacking field placements. His combative instincts mask the limitations of his team.
Effective captaincy is much about having a finger on the pulse of a game and Taylor has been in control of the proceedings. He has shuffled his pacemen around cleverly and used Nathan McCullum's off-spin well. He has backed his bowlers. The 26-year-old Taylor has not allowed the additional load of captaincy to adversely impact his free-flowing batsmanship. In fact, the right-hander displayed resolve and character during his match-winning innings of 95 against India in the first game.
He uses his feet, has terrific bat-speed, can pierce the gaps and loft over the in-field or beyond the ropes. He is strong off the back-foot, either using the depth of the crease to cut with soft hands or essaying his trademark fierce pull. Importantly, he can change the course of a game, impose himself on a duel.
After a bumpy start to his Test journey – against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2007 – Taylor has grown in stature. He has 1941 runs in 25 Tests at 43.13 and 2368 runs in 82 ODIs at 36.43. He has a lot more cricket ahead.
These are not the easiest of times for Kumar Sangakkara. The events following the Suraj Randiv no-ball controversy, would have stretched him as a leader. He will have to carry his men with him, build bridges of trust.
Meanwhile, the Indian team had an optional net session. Coach Gary Kirsten spent much time with some of the young batsmen. Apart from Virender Sehwag's brilliant unbeaten 99 against Sri Lanka, the Indian batting has largely disappointed on a seaming track. The young batsmen, in particular, have not inspired confidence.
