HPCA groundstaff face weather test

NEW DELHI: India are set to take on South Africa in the opening game of the T20I series at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday, but the groundstaff have their task cut out as the retreating monsoon looks set to play spoilsport. Rain is predicted from today itself — as per the MET — with the game also under the cloud. “The thing with the place is that once it starts raining, it goes on for a couple of days,” said a source. “The team is doing its job, but the problem is that you need at least six-seven days leading into a game when the weather is perfect to prepare the wicket and with forecast for rain leading into the game, sleepless nights are on the cards,” the source added. ians