India and Australia go into Wednesday's first Test without their first-choice teams amid growing concern about both the inclement weather and how the wicket will play.
The Indians confirmed on Tuesday that star batsman Sachin Tendulkar will miss the match but indicated he was likely to be fit for the second Test starting on October 14.
Australia, seeking to win their first series on Indian soil in 35 years, are not only without injured captain Ricky Ponting but also bereft of a second spinner to support Shane Warne after ignoring Stuart MacGill for the tour.
Seasonal rain over the last week and a forecast of more showers for the next few days has only added to the uncertainty in both camps at the start of the highly-anticipated series.
"Its terribly disappointing that Sachin won't be around," said Indian captain Sourav Ganguly.
"The good news, though, is that he will fire in Madras. Thats the best one can look forward to."
Ganguly hoped the four-match series will not be as close the previous one between the two teams on Indian soil in 2001 when the hosts won 2-1 in the last session of the third and final Test in Madras.
"That one went down to the wire, I hope this one does not," he said. "A close contest takes a lot out of both teams."
{{/usCountry}}"That one went down to the wire, I hope this one does not," he said. "A close contest takes a lot out of both teams."
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