9:23 PM IST, 4:53 PM Local Time: So, that was the final say. There were damp areas in the ground which needed to dry up. And henceforth, after the prolonged game of patience, we are down to the final handshake between the players.
So, we have a couple of games in the series but nothing to hold on to with respect to the World Cup 2023. Joe Root was a part of the squad for only the first ODI. So no more cricketers from the World Cup squad will be in action in the particular bilateral series.
As this match ends up as a stalemate, do keep your eyes around to have a grab of other cricketing extravaganza happening across this network. This is me, Arijit Kundu signing off alongside co-commentator, Ninaad Dixit and scorer/analyst Zeeshan Naiyer. Adios!!!
The match has been abandoned!!
9:14 PM IST, 4:44 PM Local Time: So, almost time for the inspection. One of the umpires are having a chat with the Irish players. Ahsan Raza and Mike Burns, the on-field umpires are having a check at the bowler's run-up regions. It's a bit overcast. One of the spots seems slippery (25-30%). The umpires have got a poker face at the moment; they don't look contended. The players are waiting in the dressing room. The umpires can be seen stamping and patting the damp areas. Here comes the final call and the match is abandoned.
Next umpire's inspection is at 9:15 PM IST, 4:45 PM Local Time.
8:44 PM IST, 4:14 PM Local Time: Dominic Cork from the ground reports to the broadcast that the bowler's run up area is very wet and the groundstaff is doing their best to dry it up. The whole ground is damp with the outfield still not dried out completely. If the wind and sun helps, the ground can be dried out soon. Another inspection in around half an hour.
8:31 PM IST, 4:01 PM Local Time: The on-field umpires stroll into the field to have an inspection of the ground. A few of the Irish cricketers were in the field, gave a quick tap on the damp areas of the field, and went back to the pavilion. Lots of mixed gestures in the field from the officials. No great news!! The toss has been delayed again at Headingley. The groundstaff are still adding some sawdust to dry up the wet patches. It's generally at the bowler's run-up area from the Pavilion End.
8:22 PM IST, 3:52 PM Local Time: Some sawdust is being applied to the damp areas of the ground. The region around the bowler's run-up is getting fed with some dust. A few of the groundstaff are spreading the sawdust using their hands, while a couple of them have the sweeping gadget.
The stumps have been dug into the soil as well. Hopefully, we get some positive news in the inspection that takes place eight minutes from now.
7:50 PM IST, 3:20 PM IST Local Time: Next inspection at 4:00 PM Local Time. Some of the English players can be seen with a rugby ball. While the two on-field umpires with the reserve umpire can be seen having a close look at the outfield. Just a reminder in case you missed out: The cut-off time for a 20 overs per side match is 10:02 PM IST, 5:32 PM Local Time.
7:34 PM IST, 3:04 PM Local Time: The covers are completely peeled off the ground, an inspection will take place in 10 minutes. The groundsmen are working on the ground with a heavy roller with the reserve umpire keeping a keen eye on the proceedings.
7:15 PM IST, 2:45 PM Local Time: Good news!!🥳The rain has stopped and there will be an official umpires' inspection at 7:45 PM IST, 3:15 PM Local Time. The covers have started to come off.
6:50 PM IST, 2:20 PM Local Time: Eh uh!! The intruder is back!! Slight drizzle at the moment. The cover comes back in place. The brollies go up in the stands. There was a pitch inspection scheduled at 3:15 PM Local Time, 7:45 PM IST.
6:44 PM IST, 2:14 PM Local Time: The covers are off. Umpires,Ahsan Raza and Mike Burns are having an unofficial inspection of the ground at the moment.
6:25 PM IST, 1:55 PM Local Time: Good news!! The sun has peeped out. The groundsmen are in the process of drying the outfield as quickly as possible.
6:08 PM IST, 1:38 PM Local Time: The rain has eased off and the groundstaff is on their task to mop the water out of the field. Some rays of hope jut out amidst the grey clouds.
5:53 PM IST, 1:23 PM Local Time: No good news!! The breeze has picked up pace and it's still bucketing down.
5:21 PM IST, 12:51 Local Time: Dyaaamn!! Bad news!! The rain 🌧️has got heavier now. It's pelting at the moment in Headingley.