Rains play spoilsport on Day 1

Heavy rain washed out the first day of Chennai Test between India and Lanka. In Pics: Chennai Dampener

Heavy showers forced abandonment of first day's play in the first Test between India and Sri Lanka at the M A Chidambaram Stadium here on Friday.

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The umpires called off play at 11.30 am as rains that began in the morning showed no signs of relenting.

Play in the next four days would begin at 9.00 am with a minimum of 97 overs to be bowled each day.

With thunderstorms predicted for the next four days, chances of meaningful cricket looks gloomy though.

Earlier, wet outfield due to heavy rains overnight had made sure there was no play possible in the morning session.

The rains that had stopped for a while renewed with greater intensity at about 9.30 am, literally pouring cold water on any hopes of cricket in the day.