Rain deprives India much-need practice in Leicester

Inclement weather played spoilsport, as not a single ball was bowled on the second day of India’s opening tour fixture against Leicestershire, in Leicester, on Friday.

The tourists were comfortably placed at 333 for four at the end of the first day's play, with Shikhar Dhawan (60), Gautam Gambhir (54) and Cheteshwar Pujara (57) scoring half-centuries.

Rohit Sharma (43) and Ajinkya Rahane (47) were unbeaten at stumps.

Heavy overnight rain and morning showers put paid to any chances of the game starting on time.

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The weather did improve during the post-lunch session as ground staff tried their best to get some play on the day. But more rain later in the afternoon made sure that the second day was abandoned, robbing the Indian bowlers a chance to get some quality match time like their batsmen got on Thursday.

The tour game hasn't been accorded First Class status as the visitors named all 18 players for the match.

Eleven batsmen were nominated to bat and the top-order made good use of the dry conditions as also an ordinary Leicestershire attack to spend time in the middle.

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Only Dhawan's retirement was forced in comparison to the others' as he was hit on his right arm by left-arm medium-pacer Atif Sheikh and went off as a precautionary measure.

But there was no further cause for concern as the left-handed opener was up and about on the second day and took part in the indoor net session even as rain prevented any on-field action.

India will be hoping for dry weather on the third and final day of the game, which will allow their young and inexperienced attack get a feel of English conditions.

However, the forecast for Saturday is a mix of dry and wet weather-spells throughout.