GROS ISLET, St. Lucia, 30 May 2004 — Only 2.4 overs were possible before rain prompted an early tea break on the rain-ruined second day of the opening cricket Test between West Indies and Bangladesh yesterday.
At the break, Bangladesh reached 285 for seven in their first innings with Mohammad Ashraful unbeaten on 66 and Mohammad Rafique not out on 23.
Persistent morning showers and a damp outfield delayed the start of play for 4-1 2 hours, so that not a ball was bowled before the lunch interval.
After a series of inspections of the Beausejour Stadium pitch and outfield, umpires Daryll Harper of Australia and Jeremy Lloyds of England decided conditions were satisfactory and play commenced at 17:45 (GMT).
Bangladesh had continued from their bedtime position of 278 for seven built upon captain Habibul Bashar’s 113, his third Test hundred and highest Test score, on the opening day.
PCB Sign Chappell for Coaching Stint
In Karachi, former Australia captain Greg Chappell has signed a 30-day coaching contract, to be spread over a year, with Pakistan’s national team and cricket academy.
“We have the option of utilizing his expertise whichever way we want for 30 days in a year,” Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman Samiul Hasan said yesterday.
The 55-year-old Chappell played 87 Tests and 74 One-Day Internationals for Australia and is regarded as one of the finest batsmen of his era.
“The board has also signed up Australian bowling coach Daryl Foster for this purpose, while negotiations are on with (former South Africa Test batsman) Barry Richards,” Hasan added.
