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Rain may rob Aussies of record 16th win

By IANS

Sydney : The forecast of rain for the final three days of the ongoing second Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is worrying the Australians as it could jeopardise their charge towards a record-equalling 16th Test win on the trot.

Each break in play will make it harder for Ricky Ponting’s men to secure an outright win. A draw would end the winning run and allow the record, set by Steve Waugh’s 2001 side, to stand.

While the showers forecast for Friday and Sunday may not be enough to halt action on the field, it’s very likely that Saturday will be a stop-start affair because of significant rainfall predicted by a tropical storm that has also shut down New South Wales’ beaches this week.

That weatherman’s prediction will irritate Ponting, despite Australia’s comprehensive four-day win in the opening Test in Melbourne, because India’s lengthy batting line-up should be tougher to penetrate on a more stable Sydney pitch.

“Saturday will probably be the wettest day, and the periods of rainfall pretty long,” said the weather forecaster. “There will be a few showers throughout the day and it could be fairly significant.

“There should be an improvement on Sunday. Thursday and Friday will probably be a mixture of sun and cloud.”