Rain has frustrated India and Sri Lanka for a third successive day, with the first Test in Chennai still to start as a result.
Umpires Daryl Harper and Mark Benson had hoped to get the match underway 48 hours later than scheduled but further rain fell as a result of cyclone Baaz, which has weakened into a depression over Bengal, and the entire match could be washed out.
"I can't see much play over the remaining two days either unless the sun breaks out soon," Harper told AFP. "The ground has really taken a pounding from the rain."
"One does feel bad for the cricket enthusiasts of Chennai, but no one can fight the weather," said Indian skipper Rahul Dravid, who is the permanent captain for the first time in a Test. "It has been a disappointing time for all of us."
Rain thwarted the home side in October last year when it needed 210 runs on the final day, with all 10 wickets in hand, to defeat Australia and level the four-match series at 1-1. Australia would go on to win the third Test and the series 2-1.
One-day internationals have also been abandoned in the city recently, with matches against South Africa a fortnight ago and New Zealand in 2003 also washed out.
The second Test gets underway in New Delhi next Saturday, with the third and final match to be played in either Kanpur or Ahmedabad.
