Rain dampens India's test buildup

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Rain dampens India's test buildup

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Rain dampened India's preparation for the first of its four cricket tests against Australia.

19 December,2011 02:19 pm

Indias preparation for the first of its four cricket tests against Australia was disrupted Monday when rain shortened the first day of its three-day tour match against a Cricket Australia Chairmans XI.Heavy overnight showers saturated the outfield and washed out the entire first session of the match at Manuka Oval.Rain returned in the afternoon, allowing for only 50 overs to be bowled. India finished 162 for four after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Virat Kohli was 55 not out and Rohit Sharma 38 not out.India left several strong performers out of its lineup, including batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid and fast bowler Ishant Sharma, who is troubled by an ankle injury.After captain M.S. Dohni won the toss, test openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir enjoyed a short-lived partnership before Sehwag was out for 12.Ajinkya Rahan fell for 12 when India was 52-2, and Gambhir was bowled by Jason Behrendorff when India was 53-3. V.V.S. Laxman was bowled for 15 when India was four for 84, but Kolhli and Sharma strengthened the Indian innings.Kohli got 55 runs from 93 balls with 10 fours and Sharman made 38 from 53 balls with five fours and a six.Batting conditions were expected to improve significantly Tuesday.Peter George, Jason Behrendorff, Josh Lalor and Jon Holland shared the wickets for the Chairmans XI.