Rain plays spoil sport

First day's play washed out by heavy downpourA Mohali (PTI): Elements had the final say as the first day of the third cricket Test between India and Australia here was called off without a ball being bowled, thanks to a heavy downpour that lashed the city since early morning. Play was officially called off at about 1.15 local time, even as a buoyant India's march to achieving their best-ever result in a Test series against Australia came to a halt, though due to matters not related to cricket.A The pitch and the square were covered, and the toss was yet to take place when PCA joint secretary G S Walia made the official announcement. India, who have never won more than two Tests in a single series against the team from Down Under, are leading the four-match rubber 2-0 after convincing victories in the last two outings in Chennai and Hyderabad. The hosts have never been in such an enviable position against Australia. Given Australia's meek surrenders in both Chennai and Hyderabad, there is a high possibility of visitors being whitewashed by the hosts, who have so far been confidence personified under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The weather Gods, however, could again come in the way of what Dhoni and his men would love to achieve, especially against an opponent who had thrashed them the last time they crossed swords, albeit in Australia. There might be some rain on Friday as well. Earlier, the Indian team returned to the hotel after spending some time at the stadium, even as the Australians enjoyed a morning cup of tea after the outfield was rendered wet due to incessant rain.

Boycott flays Arthur New Delhi (PTI): Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott on Thursday criticised Australian coach Mickey Arthur for treating the players like "school children" and said he finds the idea of setting the cricketers written tasks as "childlike".A Boycott said Arthur could have spoken to the players in private rather than behaving like a "teacher". "It's like being schoolchildren and giving them something to do and if they don't do it, then just slapping them. If you feel that there is an area where they should improve, surely it is up to the coaching staff and the major coach himself, Arthur, to talk to them in private," he said.