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'Can't see the ball': Kohli, Gill angry as play continues in rain in Auckland

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

India were chasing a revised target of 167 runs in Auckland when steady precipitation returned just deliveries after an hour-long break. Despite vocal objections about sight issues and wet conditions, umpires forced the teams to finish the ongoing over before granting another suspension. New Zealand pacer Blair Tickner even pulled his shirt over his head in jest while the batters delayed play. The over ultimately ended safely, leaving the visitors placed at 64 for 1 when the ground was cleared.

Key points

  • On-field officials chose to complete the twelfth over despite visible rainfall and direct…: On-field officials chose to complete the twelfth over despite visible rainfall and direct protests from both Indian batters.
  • Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 17 and 29 respectively when the umpires…: Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 17 and 29 respectively when the umpires halted the contest.
  • The chase in Auckland endured multiple rain interruptions after an initial target of 186…: The chase in Auckland endured multiple rain interruptions after an initial target of 186 had already been reduced.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

India captain Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli appeared unhappy as play continued despite rain during the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday.

The match was initially stopped in the 11th over of India's chase of 186, with the visitors at 29/1. Kohli was batting on 29, while Gill was on 17.

Play resumed after a delay of more than an hour, with India's target revised to 167 under the DLS method. However, rain returned after only a few deliveries had been bowled.

As the umpires looked to complete the 12th over, both Kohli and Gill appeared reluctant to continue in the conditions. Before the final delivery of the over, Kohli smiled and told umpire Paul Reiffel, "Look at the sightscreen, can't see the ball," before making a double teapot gesture.

Gill also spoke to the square-leg umpire to make his point, but the officials appeared keen to complete the over. Meanwhile, New Zealand bowler Blair Tickner pulled his shirt over his head, seemingly in jest, as Gill took his time to get ready.

Gill survived the final…

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