The third one-day international between India and South Africa, to be played at the M A Chidambaram stadium in Chennai on Tuesday, could be affected by bad weather.
Heavy overnight rain and showers during the day rendered the ground wet and forced both teams to skip practice.
Although the groundsman is confident of a full game being played if the weather stays fine, more showers have been forecast for Tuesday.
The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association is banking on its high-quality ground drainage and sophisticated equipment to provide a timely start to the day-night encounter. The authorities are confident that if the rain, which has been falling intermittently, stops now, the match could start on time.
"If it doesn't rain tonight, the match will start on time tomorrow. Since the whole ground, including the pitch is covered, there has been no seepage of water, although the sweat under the covers can dampen the top layer of the turf," umpire A V Jayaprakash said.
India registered a convincing six-wicket victory in the second match in Bangalore, which helped them level the five-match series 1-1.Sachin Tendulkar is set to make a record 357th appearance in one-day internationals, surpassing Wasim Akram for the most appearances in one-dayers.
Photograph: REUTERS/Babu
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