MUMBAI, Nov. 12: Even with the sun emerging after two days of rain, there was no play in the Sri Lanka XI-Board President’s XI three-day game on Thursday either, with the outfield too wet to allow any cricket.

The groundsmen at the Bandra Kurla ground of Mumbai Cricket Association toiled to get the pitch ready on the second day, but with most parts of the ground still affected, play was called off after a final inspection by the umpires at 1 pm.

"The day’s play was called off as the square area had not dried completely. Play will resume on Friday at 9 am if conditions permit," said a Board of Control for Cricket in India official.

Devoid of match practice, the Sri Lankan players headed for the gym to utilise the indoor facilities. Sri Lanka manager Brendon Kuruppu, meanwhile, said the team would not like to play the game in a one-day format even if the conditions permit on Friday, as had been suggested here as an alternative to make up for the two lost days of play.

"We are going to play a Test series and we don’t want a 50-over game tomorrow if the conditions permit. We would either like to have an outdoor practice session or go to Ahmedabad for an extended session. Two days have been wasted here due to change in the weather but we have utilised the indoor facilities to keep the players’ fitness intact," said Kuruppu.

Tillakaratne Dilshan, who sustained a minor sprain to his ankle on Wednesday, is recovering well and will be fit for the first Test in Ahmedabad from November 16.

"Dilshan is recovering well. If he gets to play on Friday, we will see how he bats in the middle. He should be fit for the first Test against India," Kuruppu added.

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MCA to refund ticket money

Mumbai, Nov. 12: The Mumbai Cricket Association will refund the ticket money paid by the spectators to watch the seventh and final one-dayer between India and Australia which was washed out without a bowl being bowled on Wednesday.

"We have decided to refund the ticket money though it was written on the back of the ticket that no refund will be given. The modalities of refunding the ticket money will be decided tomorrow," said MCA vice-president Dilip Vengsarkar. — PTI