India and New Zealand forced to settle for a point as World Cup clash at Trent Bridge is abandoned without a ball being bowled after more wet weather
- This was the fourth game abandoned in six days after heavy rain hit Nottingham
- India moved up to third with a point, while New Zealand remain top of the table
- Game was finally called off shortly before 3pm following a series of inspections
- Virat Kohli says India will be ready to face Pakistan on Sunday at Old Trafford
Yet more wet weather forced a truce between the two World Cup sides still with 100 per cent winning records as India and New Zealand pocketed a point apiece at Trent Bridge and happily moved on.
Virat Kohli’s side will be well rested ahead of Sunday’s grudge match with Pakistan at Old Trafford with their point lifting them above England into third place.
New Zealand, who remain top of the table, can now enjoy a long rest before they play South Africa at Edgbaston next Wednesday.
The World Cup clash between India and New Zealand was abandoned due to wet weather
There had already been more abandonments in this World Cup than any other and now we’ve had four in the space of six days as the English summertime remains elusive.
‘It’s unfortunate, you cannot control the weather but a point isn’t bad at this stage given we already have two wins,’ said Kohli.
The Pakistan match is set to be played in a passionate atmosphere in Manchester and Kohli added: ‘The frenzy around it is a bit intimidating for the guys doing it for the first time.
Umpires Marais Erasmus (left) and Paul Reiffel inspect the Trent Bridge pitch on Thursday
‘But for us it’s about being professional as always, do the basics right and look to get a result your way. As soon as you enter the field it’s calm and relaxed.’
Kohli confirmed opener Shikhar Dhawan should return for the end of the group phase following the thumb injury sustained in Sunday’s win over Australia.
The wash-out seemed to come as no shock to New Zealand captain Kane Williamson: ‘We’ve been here for four days and not seen any sun so it’s no surprise.
‘They will get some sun at some point but not on our trip here.
India fans were in good spirits despite the damp conditions in Nottingham ruining the game
‘We have a break now, which is interesting at this point in the tournament but it’s a good chance for guys to freshen up and look forward to our next challenge.’
New Zealand coach Gary Stead added: ‘If you took the UK summer from last year, it didn’t rain at all by the sounds of things.
‘It’s a bit of bad luck but it can rain anywhere in the world. My first tour was in Dubai and it rained there in the desert.’
It was a day of intense frustration in Nottingham, with the towering rainclouds making a return every time the umpires scheduled an inspection of the already sodden pitch.
Two India fans protect themselves from the rain with head umbrellas on Thursday morning
The spectators, predominantly Indian, tried to make the best of it in rain jackets and huddled under umbrellas but it was an undoubted relief when the abandonment finally came shortly before 3pm.
Earlier in the day, the crowds cheered loudly every time the Trent Bridge ground staff hustled out to the middle to remove the covers with brighter skies overhead.
But on each occasion, they were soon scurrying back again to replace them as the grey heavens opened once more.